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Types of exclusion

There are two types of exclusion, fixed period and permanent.

Fixed period exclusions

This is when a headteacher writes to tell you that you must keep your child at home for a fixed number of school days. By law, this cannot be more than 45 school days in any one year.

When a fixed-term exclusion takes place, the letter from the headteacher must give the day, date and time when the exclusion begins, and the day and date when your child is expected back at school.

If the headteacher does not write to you to give details, the exclusion is not official and you should contact the school to arrange for your child to return immediately.

For all exclusions of over five school days in a term the Governors' Discipline Committee must arrange a meeting to discuss the exclusion to which you and the LA representative must be invited to attend.

If the exclusion is for more than five school days or involves your child missing a public examination, the governors have the right to direct the school to re-admit your child. However, it is unusual for governors to exercise their power of reinstatement in the case of fixed period exclusions.

Permanent exclusions

For more serious incidents a headteacher may decide on a permanent exclusion. If your child is permanently excluded then the headteacher will:

  • inform you at once, by telephone if possible, of the exclusion and the specific reason for it
  • give you details of any relevant previous warnings, fixed period exclusions or other disciplinary measures taken earlier
  • explain your right to put your point of view to the Governing Body, either by written statement or by your personal attendance, at an exclusion meeting called the Governors' Discipline Meeting which will take place not earlier than the sixth or later than the 15th school day following the exclusion

Copyright Kent County Council 2008