There are two types of exclusion:
- Suspension - Schools can suspend pupils for up to 45 days
- Permanent exclusion - Schools can exclude pupils permanently due to their behaviour.
The Local Authority is responsible for arranging full time education for permanently excluded pupils.
Our Parent Guide to Permanent Exclusion document explains what happens following a permanent exclusion, including how your child will be educated.
The School suspensions and permanent exclusions (external link) (including pupil movement) guidance explains the process that must be followed.
The Department for Education website (external link) has lots of help and support on dealing with suspensions and exclusions including what to do if you don’t agree with the school’s decision.
There is a process that the parents can go through to raise concerns regarding an exclusion:
If after going through the relevant process, the parent is still not satisfied then it is advised that they contact the Local Government Ombudsman (external link) or Education Funding Agency (external link) (if it is an academy or a free school).
Managed moves and off site directions
When a pupil’s behaviour is a concern their school can arrange a managed move or off site direction.
A managed move is a permanent move to another school. An off-site direction is a time limited placement at another school or alternative provision to improve a child’s behaviour.
The School suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance (external link) explains how these are arranged.