Fixed Term Exclusion

Exclusion is a serious matter....

Only the head can exclude a pupil. A Headteacher may decide to exclude a pupil only when he is sure that:  

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

A fixed period Exclusion means that a pupil is not allowed into school or onto school grounds for a set number of days. A pupil may be excluded for up to 45 school days in the school year.

How am I told that my child has been excluded?

The Headteacher should contact you immediately to explain why your child has been excluded. The contact may be made by telephone but within one school day you should be informed in writing giving the reason for your child’s exclusion.

What should the letter say?

The exclusion letter should say clearly: 

• the reason for the exclusion
• steps taken to avoid exclusion
• how many days the exclusion is for
• the date and time for your child to return to school
• arrangements for setting and marking school work
• Arrangements for seeing your child’s school record
• contact name and addresses
• appeal arrangements           

What if I disagree with my child's exclusion?

You can put your views to a Discipline Committee at the school. The letter should give you the latest date for you to send your views in writing to the Clerk to the Discipline Committee.

What is the Discipline Committee and what does it do?

The Discipline Committee is made up of three to five of the school's governors. They look at whether exclusion is being carried out correctly in the school. They will meet to discuss your child's exclusion and they will consider your views. 

The Discipline Committee can decide to reinstate your child back into school if:

• the exclusion is for more than five school days, or
• your child has been excluded in total for more than five school days in one school term; or
• your child would miss a public exam such as GCSE or A levels because of the exclusion.           

The Discipline Committee cannot re-instate your child back into school when the exclusion is for less than five school days (unless your child loses the chance to take a public exam). But they must still consider any statement from you.

Exclusion of more than five days (or total) in a term?

The Clerk to the Discipline Committee will write to give you the date and time of the meeting. The Clerk will try to arrange the meeting at a time that is convenient to you, the Headteacher and the governors. The meeting must be held within time limits set by the government.
Length of Exclusion   

Who can attend the Discipline Committee meeting?

You can attend and you can ask for your child to attend. You may want to take someone with you. This could be a friend, an Education Welfare Officer or a Solicitor.

Am I given any information in advance of the meeting?

The Clerk to the Discipline Committee will send you copies of any paperwork that the governors will be considering. Everybody attending the meeting will receive copies of the paperwork in advance at the same time. The paperwork could include a record of your child’s behaviour in the school and an outline of why your child was excluded. The Headteacher might also write about how the school has tried to avoid excluding your child.

What Happens at the Discipline Committee meeting?

If your child is already back at school when the meeting is held, you can still say that you disagree with the exclusion and give your reasons. If the Discipline Committee find that they disagree with the exclusion they can add more information to your child’s school record along with their views.

If your child is still excluded when the meeting is held, the Discipline Committee should decide whether they agree with the exclusion or not.

If the Discipline Committee find that they disagree with the exclusion they can direct your child's reinstatement and allow them to return to school before the exclusion is completed. The governors could add their views to your child's school record.

What if my child is excluded again?

If the school continues to have serious problems with your child's behaviour the Headteacher might feel that your child is at risk of permanent exclusion from that school. The school should then draw up a Pastoral Support Programme. This should include targets for the pupil, parent(s), school and other agencies to help prevent permanent exclusion.

How Can I find out more about Permanent Exclusion?

There is a leaflet on Permanent Exclusion that you can pick up from your nearest Children's Services office. If you feel that your child is going to be at risk of Permanent Exclusion from their school, you can contact Cumbria's Education Welfare Service. An Education Welfare Officer will give you information and support.