Exclusions

There are two forms of exclusion:

• Fixed term exclusion

This is where a child is temporarily removed from school.

If school decides this is their only option then Parents/ Carers must be told without delay, usually by phone then by letter. The letter must state the reason and the number of days that the child is to be excluded.

The school should set tasks (and provide feedback once these are completed) for the first five school days. Parents/Carers must ensure this work is done and sent to the school for feedback.

If the exclusion is longer than five school days, arrangements must be made by the school for full-time education from the sixth school day.

Students can be removed for up to 45 school days in an academic year

On the child’s return, if not already in place, the Head Teacher/Class teacher and SENCo/Learning Mentor will start the Personalised approach pathway. If there is a Behaviour plan/PSP in place it will be reviewed to ensure any adaptations are agreed before the students return to school.

If all other avenues have been exhausted and there is no further options and the breach of behaviour policy justifies a permanent exclusion (only because of previous violations), then it must be recorded as 'persistent misconduct' to accurately reflect this context for the decision.

• Permanent Exclusion

​​​​​​​ A permanent exclusion means a pupil cannot return to the school and the school will write to Parent/Carers stating the reason for the exclusion

The school will formally notify the Local Authority of the reasons for their decision.

The school must set and mark work for the first five school days. The Parent/Carer must ensure this work is done and sent to the school for marking.

From the sixth school day, the Local Authority must arrange full-time education for the child.

The school's governing body must meet within 15 school days from the date of the permanent exclusion to review the Head Teacher's decision. Parents/Carers and the child must be invited to attend.

There will, of course, always be exceptional circumstances where it is appropriate to permanently exclude a chid for a first or ‘one off’ offence.

These may include instances (but this is not an exhaustive list) such as:

• A serious actual or threatened violence against another pupil or member of staff
• Sexual abuse or assault
• Supplying an illegal drug
• Carrying an offensive weapon​​​​​​​

This list is examples, and is not exhaustive, that the Head Teacher is responsible for making the decision for an immediate exclusion under exceptional circumstances and it is decided on a case by case basis. ​​​​​​​

For minor incidents a less extreme form of exclusion may also be considered: this may, for example, involve lunchtime inclusion or classroom exclusion, where a pupil learns away from their usual class. School staff would consult with parents but do not need to report this.