Exclusion is a last resort
Exclusion is when a school sends a pupil home and doesn’t allow them to return for a certain number of days. Exclusion is a serious step and is only used as a last resort.
The school, the pupil, and their parent(s) or carer(s) should use the time during and after the exclusion to resolve the situation and make sure the right support is in place.
What happens when a child is excluded
Schools must follow set procedures when they exclude a child or young person. Schools will:
- contact parents or carers in writing to let them know why the child or young person is being excluded
- provide learning activities which the child or young person can complete while they are away from school
- have a meeting or conversation with the parent or carer to plan for a positive return to school
- agree a date when the child can return to school
A parent or carer can appeal against the exclusion. Details of how to do this will be in the letter from the school.