Permanent exclusion from school is a very serious matter. Only a school's headteacher - or a named deputy if the headteacher is out of school - can permanently exclude a pupil. Headteachers may decide to permanently exclude a pupil only when they are sure that:

• the pupil has seriously breached the school's discipline policy
• if the pupil remains in school, it would seriously harm the education or welfare of the pupil or others in the school.

What happens if my child is at risk of permanent exclusion?

The school should refer your child to the Education Welfare Service. An education welfare officer will then contact you and will work with the school and yourself to try to prevent your child from being permanently excluded.

The school can draw up a pastoral support programme to outline ways of helping your child. This plan will be agreed with you and may set targets for the pupil, parent/carers, school and other support groups.

Can my child be permanently excluded for a serious first incident?

Not normally. Permanent exclusion should not normally be used for a first serious incident unless the headteacher feels that they must take action immediately to protect the pupils and staff in the school. Even then they must take time to consider the matter carefully and use permanent exclusion as a last resort.

What if my child has emotional and behavioural difficulties or a learning difficulty that affects their behaviour in school?

The school can ask the Local Authority (LA) to review the statement if your child is at risk of permanent exclusion. You would be invited to the review meeting. At the review meeting other ways of dealing with your child's behaviour can be discussed to try to avoid permanent exclusion.

What if my child has a statement for special educational needs?

The school may present evidence about your child's educational ability, behaviour and social background as well as the facts surrounding the incident which led to the permanent exclusion. The LA will give its view and say whether it feels that permanent exclusion is appropriate or not. You will receive copies of this information in advance of the hearing.

How am I told that my child has been permanently excluded?

Once the headteacher has decided to permanently exclude your child they should contact you immediately to explain their decision. They should telephone you if possible on the day and the exclusion would normally begin the following day.

The Headteacher should then write a letter to you within one school day that gives:

• the reason for your child's permanent exclusion
• the steps taken to avoid permanent exclusion
• the date that the permanent exclusion begins
• arrangements for your child to have school work to do at home
• your right to see a copy of your child's school record
• your right to give your views on your child's permanent exclusion at a meeting with school governors on the discipline committee
• a final date for you to send any written statements to the discipline committee before the meeting
• the phone number of someone in the LA who can advise you and the phone number of the National Advisory Centre for Education.

What if I disagree with my child's permanent exclusion?

You can put your views in writing and in person to school governors at a meeting of their discipline committee. The clerk to the discipline committee will write to give you the date and time of the meeting.

What is the discipline committee?

The discipline committee is made up of three to five of the school's governors. They follow guidance from the government and the LA to decide whether exclusion is being carried out correctly in the school.

What happens at the discipline committee meeting?

The governors will consider the views of the school, you and your child and the LA. The governors can decide to uphold your child's permanent exclusion or allow your child to return to school.

If the governors uphold the permanent exclusion, is there anything else I can do to return my child to school?

You can appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel. This is arranged through the area education base.