For most pupils, suspensions and permanent exclusion may not be necessary, and should be used as a last resort.
Other strategies should be considered first to manage behaviours that challenge. For example, schools can use the graduated approach, off-site direction and managed moves.
Strategies for managing behaviour
The graduated approach
This is a systematic method for assessing a child with additional needs in a school setting. It uses the 4-part Assess, Plan, Do, Review (APDR) cycle.
This involves:
- Assess - assess the pupil’s needs
- Plan - plan the support
- Do - implement the support
- Review - review the outcomes
The cycle can be repeated as needed to support the pupil’s progress and wellbeing. The views of the pupil and their family should be taken into account throughout the cycle.
Off-site direction
Off-site direction is when a pupil attends another education setting for an agreed period of time to improve their behaviour. The setting could be an alternative provision or another mainstream school. This approach is used when other interventions have not improved a pupil’s behaviour.
Managed moves
A managed move is the process of permanently transferring a pupil to another mainstream school. It avoids the need to go down the route of exclusion and involves minimal disruption to the pupil’s education. It can also be used for other reasons, such as school refusal or welfare issues.
Managed moves should be voluntary and agreed between schools, parents and the pupil.
Managed moves should only occur when it is in the pupil’s best interests. You can read more about the process on our managed moves page.
If these strategies have been exhausted, suspensions and permanent exclusion may be necessary. This is to make sure that other pupils and teaching staff can work in safety and are respected.
Reasons for suspension or permanent exclusion
Suspensions or permanent exclusions can be given for:
- physical assault against a pupil or adult
- verbal abuse or threatening behaviour
- use or threat of use of an offensive or prohibited item
- bullying
- racist abuse
- abuse against sexual orientation
- abuse relating to disability
Suspensions or permanent exclusions must not be given for:
- failing to pass exams
- having a disability
- having an additional need the school feels it is unable to meet
Suspensions
If your child is suspended, they cannot attend school for a certain number of days. A suspension can be for half a day or for a set period during the day. A suspension can start immediately or on another school day.
Schools cannot suspend your child for more than a total of 45 school days in one school year.
If your child is suspended
If your child is suspended, the school will let you know as soon as possible. They will follow this up in writing, telling you how long your child is suspended for and why. The school will tell the council and other professionals who work with your child.
The school will provide work for your child to do at home during the first 5 days of the suspension. If your child is suspended for more than 5 days, the school must provide them with alternative suitable full-time education. This will start from day 6 of the suspension.
Challenging a suspension
If you disagree with your child’s suspension, you have the right to challenge the decision. The school will include instructions on how to challenge the suspension in their letter.
Returning to school
When your child goes back to school, the school will tell you and your child how they will help them to manage behaviour effectively.
It is good practice for the school to hold a reintegration meeting with you and your child. This can happen on the first day back, before school starts. Even if you can't go to the meeting, your child should still go back to school.
Permanent exclusion
A child should only be permanently excluded if both of the following criteria are met:
- a serious breach or persistent breaches of the school's behaviour policy has occurred
- remaining at the school could harm the child's education and wellbeing, or harm the education and wellbeing of staff and pupils
If your child is permanently excluded
If your child is permanently excluded, the school will tell you about it as soon as possible. They will follow this up in writing, explaining why they made the decision. The school will tell the council and other professionals who work with your child.
The school will provide work for your child to do at home during the first 5 days of the exclusion.
The council must arrange suitable education to begin from day 6 of the exclusion. The inclusion support officer from the council will contact you. They will discuss arrangements and explain the process of exclusion in more detail.
Challenging a permanent exclusion
If you disagree with your child’s exclusion, you have the right to challenge the decision. Information about how you can do this will be set out in the letter provided by school.
Governing Board Disciplinary Committee meeting
Following a permanent exclusion, the governing board must arrange a meeting to consider reinstating the child. They will invite you to attend this meeting.
The meeting will take place within 15 school days of the governing board being told about the exclusion. You can comment on the permanent exclusion or share information during the meeting.
The school will send an information pack to you 5 days before the meeting. This pack will contain information about the exclusion.
If your child attends a maintained school, the governing board will invite the council.
If your child goes to an academy, you need to tell the school if you want the council to attend.
After the Governing Board Disciplinary Committee meeting
The governing board will write to you to let you know their decision. If they reinstate your child, they will let you know when your child can return to school.
If the governing board does not reinstate your child, they will tell you about your right to request an independent review panel (IRP). They will tell you how to do this by letter when sharing their decision.
Independent Review Panel
If your child attends a maintained school, the council will organise the panel. If your child attends an academy school, the academy will organise the panel.
If you wish to request an IRP, you must do so within 15 school days of receiving the governing board’s decision. The council’s inclusion support officer can offer advice about this process.