Exclusions - Information for parents
The decision to exclude a pupil is a very serious matter and should only be used as a last resort. Only the head teacher can exclude once they have carried out a thorough investigation
Types of exclusion
There are two main types of exclusion – fixed period and permanent.
Fixed period exclusion means that a pupil is excluded from school for a fixed number of days and a date is set for a return to school. During the exclusion, pupils are not allowed on the school premises. Parents are responsible for their child’s supervision during the first five days of a fixed period exclusion. Schools must provide work to be completed during this time. For exclusions that extend beyond five days, the school must put in place full-time, supervised education for the pupil – usually at another school.
Permanent exclusion means that the pupil cannot return to the school unless reinstated by the school’s governing body. In coming to a decision on permanent exclusion, head teachers must consider whether there has been a serious breach or persistent breaches of the school discipline policy and allowing the pupil to remain at school would seriously harm the education or welfare of the pupil or others in the school. The local authority where the child lives must make education arrangements from Day six. This is usually at a pupil referral unit.
What happens next?
A reintegration meeting should take place with you and your child to discuss the support that will be put in place to prevent an exclusion happening again. In Islington, an offer of family support is also made with the expectation that the support worker will liaise with you, your child and the school to identify any issues that may have contributed to the behaviour.
Where can I get help?
Parents and carers of excluded children can get independent legal advice from Islington Law Centre. To book an appointment please call 020 7527 8259 or email pupilservices@islington.gov.uk
For information about other organisations that can provide help and support around exclusions, please see the Islington Directory.
For further information about the law around exclusions, please see Annex C of the statutory guidance from the Department for Education.
Contacts
You can contact Islington’s Exclusions Officer by ringing 020 7527 5515 or emailing in-year@islington.gov.uk.