Permanent exclusion from school is a very serious matter. Only a school’s headteacher – or 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.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Permanent Exclusion” mean?
The head teacher has decided that as a result of child’s behaviour in accordance with the governing body’s behavioural policy he/she can no longer attend the school.
Can my child be permanently excluded for a serious first incident?
If the headteacher feels that they must protect staff/other pupils in the school it may be necessary to permanently exclude following an investigation into the incident.
Can the headteacher permanently exclude my child if they have a statement?
Schools will only permanently exclude a pupil with a statement in exceptional circumstances. The school should have tried every practicable means to maintain the child in school, including seeking local authority and other professional advice.
What is the discipline committee?
The discipline committee is formed from 3 or 5 school governors. Its role is to examine the head teacher’s decisions to exclude pupils and decide whether those decisions were correct. There will also be a clerk present to take notes and advise on procedures.
If the discipline committee decides to overturn the exclusion, will my child return to the same school?
Yes
Can I take anyone with me to the discipline committee meeting?
You can take a friend or supporter to the meeting. However, you must inform the headteacher that a friend/supporter will be accompanying you.
What happens to my child’s education before the discipline committee?
For days 1-5 inclusive, the school will set work to be done at home. During this time you have a duty to ensure that your child is not present in a public place during school hours. You are liable to a fine if your child is found in a public place, with or without a parent, without good reason.
From day 6 the Local Authority (LA) will provide between 21 and 25 hours of education (depending on the age of your child) through the Learning Centre.
Can I be issued with a penalty notice if my child is seen in a public place with me during the first 5 days of the exclusion?
Yes. You must ensure that your child is not present in a public place during school hours without reasonable justification. This applies whether or not the child is with you.
If the discipline committee upholds the exclusion, what happens to my child’s education?
The Learning Centre will continue to provide education for your child until another placement has been arranged. The Inclusion Lead Officer and your Connexions Personal Advisor will support you through this.
What is the Learning Centre?
There are 4 centres across Nottinghamshire that aim to provide short term education for permanently excluded pupils and help with reintegration back into school.
What happens once I have nominated a school?
If your child is of secondary school age then the application for another school place will be discussed at the Schools’ Behaviour and Attendance Panel (SBAP) meeting. The panel will discuss your child’s individual needs and also take into consideration your application.
If your child is of primary school age then your application will be considered by a designated officer (admissions) and your nominated school.
What happens if my child has to travel further than previously to their new school?
If it is the school designated by the Local Authority and the distance is greater than the permitted walking distance for your child’s age, the Local Authority will pay for transport, usually a bus pass. If the school is your preferred school, you may be responsible for getting your child to and from the school.
Is the exclusion process the same in other areas of the country?
Yes. Government guidance has been circulated to all schools and local authorities to ensure that all schools and support centres follow the same rules.
If the Discipline Committee upholds the exclusion and I disagree, is there anything else I can do?
You can appeal to an Independent Appeal Panel (IAP). You will be given details of how to appeal in the letter confirming the Discipline Committee’s decision.
Can anyone else offer me support with the exclusion?
- The Parent Partnership Service (PPS) gives advice and support to parents.
- Parents of black and minority ethnic pupils may find it helpful to contact the Race Equality Council (REC) or Nottingham Black Families in Education (NBFE).
- The Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) is an independent national advice centre for parents to answer questions on all aspects of education.
| Telephone | website | ||
| PPS | 0115 9482888 | enquiries@ppsnotts.org.uk | www.ppsnotts.org.uk |
| REC | 0115 9586415 | mail@nottsrec.com | www.nottsrec.com |
| NBFE | 0115 8413896 | nbfe@ntlbusiness.com | www.services4notts.org.uk |
| ACE | 0800 800 0327/ 020 7704 9822 |
More details are outlined in the document ‘Improving Behaviour and Attendance:Guidance on Exclusion from Schools and Pupil Referral Units September 2008 and the teachernet website.
