Exclusion or suspension

The decision to exclude

The Headteacher (or the most senior teacher in their absence), is the only person who can take the decision to exclude a pupil from school.

When a pupil is excluded parents/carers must be notified immediately, ideally by telephone, followed up by a letter.

The school must explain:

• the reason(s) for the exclusion
• the parent's/carer's right to make representation to the Governors Discipline Committee
• the arrangements made for setting and marking work during the exclusion, and for full time provision if the exclusion is for more than 5 school days
• the parent's/carer's right to see their child's school record.

There are two types of exclusion:

1. Fixed period, which can range from half a day to a maximum of 45 school days in a school year. (A child can also be excluded for lunchtimes.)
2. Permanent.

Length of exclusion

Exclusion for more than 5 school days

• If any exclusion is for more than 5 school days parents/carers can request a meeting of the schools Governors Discipline Committee to review the exclusion. The Governors must agree to this request and must meet within 50 school days.

Exclusion for more than 15 school days

• When exclusions total over 15 school days in a term, the Governors Discipline Committee must arrange a meeting to consider the exclusion within 15 school days to which parents/carers and a LA representative must be invited.

Permanent exclusion

• When exclusion is permanent, the Governors Discipline Committee must meet to review the exclusion between the 6th and 15th school day following the permanent exclusion. Parents/carers and an LA representative must be invited to review the meeting.

Appeals

Even if the parents/carers did not attend the Governors Discipline Committee meeting, they have the right to appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel if the Governors Discipline Committee upheld the decision to exclude.