School exclusions
Fixed Term Exclusion from School
We know that having a child excluded from school can be very upsetting. Nevertheless it is important that you take the exclusion seriously and consider what you can do to help ensure it does not happen again. Schools do not take the decision to exclude for a fixed term lightly and it is vital that you use the time to consider what has gone wrong for your child at school. The longer the exclusion the more serious the offence(s).
Whilst your child is excluded from school you should:
- Ensure your child does not go to the school - even at the end of the day to meet his/her friends.
- Ensure your child completes all the work that has been set and that you make arrangements to return it for marking and collect new work.
- Talk to your child about the difficulties she/he has been having and what caused the incidents which resulted in the exclusion.
- Plan for the reintegration meeting (see below).
Your child may be excluded for anywhere between 1 lunchtime and 45 days.
You will be informed in writing of the reason for the exclusion and the length of the exclusion. An 'indefinite' exclusion is not allowed.
If the exclusion is for 5 consecutive school days or less you can make representation to the Governing Body if you wish.
If the exclusion is for more than 5 consective days you can make representation to the Discipline Committee of the school's Governing Body. The name and address of the person to write to should be in the letter informing you of the decision to exclude your child for a fixed term.
If the exclusion is for more than 15 days it will be considered by the Discipline Committee of the Governing Body and if you wish you can attend the meeting and put your views. You can take a friend or adviser with you to the meeting.
The school will make arrangements to set and mark work for your child during the exclusion. The arrangements should be explained in the letter of exclusion.
If the exclusion is for more than 15 days the school may make alternative educational arrangements.
Reintegration
When the fixed term exclusion is over the child may return to school. You should normally be invited to a reintergration meeting on the first day back to discuss how the child is to be reintegrated and ways to avoid further exclusions although occasionally this is done at some other mutually convenient time. The meeting may well draw up a Pastoral Support Programme which will contain details of the support all the people involved in the meeting will provide to your child.
What if your child will miss an exam?
The Discipline Committee must meet to review the exclusion preferably before the exam takes place.
Useful sources of Advice & Support
You should contact your child's school in the first instance. You could contact your child's teacher or year head to discuss the reason for your child's exclusion. They will also be able to offer advise about keeping up his/her studies during the exclusion. The Headteacher can also be contacted if you are unhappy about the information you have received.
