Exclusion of pupils

What is Exclusion?

This is a disciplinary measure, which the Head Teacher uses to deal with unacceptable behaviour. There are two types of exclusion:

Fixed-term - this is for a specified number of days (maximum 45 days in any one school year) or lunchtimes (a lunchtime exclusion is equivalent to a one half day fixed period exclusion). You will be given a date when the pupil may return and they cannot go back to school until that date.

Permanent - the school feels the pupil should not return

What can a pupil be excluded for?

Each school has a Code of Conduct, Behaviour Policy or School Rules that require pupils to show respect and consideration for others and their property. A pupil may be excluded if their behaviour consistently falls below what is expected and the school has tried a range of other sanctions and strategies to improve the behaviour, to no effect or for a serious first or 'one off' offence. The following would be considered sufficiently serious to warrant permanent exclusion:

- serious actual or threatened violence against another pupil or member of staff; or

- sexual abuse or assault,or

- supplying an illegal drug; or

- carrying an offensive weapon; or

- persistent and malicious disruptive behaviour, including open defiance or refusal to conform with agreed school policies on, for example, discipline or dress code

What can a pupil not be excluded for?

An exclusion would not be an appropriate response to:

- pupil pregnancy

- unauthorised absence, non-attendance or lateness

- minor incidents, e.g. failure to do homework, breaches of the school's uniform policy, breaking a home-school agreement

Who can exclude?

Only the Head Teacher, or the designated Acting Head Teacher

What happens when a pupil is excluded?

The Head Teacher will try to contact you immediately by telephone and will write to you. The letter will explain why the pupil was excluded and how you may state your views about it to the Discipline Committee of the Governing Body.

The school will set work whilst your child is excluded, but you must collect it and return it for marking.

What happens to a child's education whilst he/she is excluded?

Day 1 to Day 5 -

You have a duty to ensure that your child is not present in a public place in school hours during this period unless there is reasonable justification for this. You may receive a penalty notice from the local authority if your child is present in a public place during school hours on the specified dates. If so, it will be for you to show reasonable justification. The school will set work for your child during this period. You should ensure that work set by the school is completed and returned promptly for marking.

Day 6+

From the sixth day of a fixed term exclusions until the expiry of the exclusion the school will make arrangements for suitable full-time education.

From the sixth day of a permanent exclusion until alternative provision is made, provided they have been informed of the permanent exclusion, the Local Authority will make arrangements for suitable full-time education.

Further information about exclusions can be found in our exclusion sheet for parents