The first place to start is to make sure you are aware of what official guidelines say about exclusion and about how you can support your child. You need to obtain copies of the exclusion guidelines from your child's school, from the LEA, or from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF).
Schools should be doing all they can to avoid exclusion but sometimes the headteacher makes a decision that this is the only option. Exclusion from school is intended to be a last resort although the guidelines do provide for immediate exclusion for a single one-off act of violence. But even then each case has to be considered on its merits. School exclusions are fixed term or permanent. Only the headteacher may decide on exclusion. Parents need to be contacted immediately and a letter of confirmation should follow immediately. The letter should give the reasons for the exclusion as well as explain what steps have been taken to try to avoid resorting to exclusion.
The guidance stresses the need for early intervention and the involvement of parents. If your child has a record of difficulties, you should have copies of letters sent to you in the past and other documents dealing with the problems. These may include the special educational needs (SEN) process as well as the involvement of specialist agencies including the education psychologist and the Education Welfare Service.
There is a maximum of 45 days in any one school year for fixed term exclusions, and those may be imposed in one school term. A fixed term may be converted to a permanent exclusion if further inquiries produce evidence warranting such a drastic step. For exclusions under five days, parents may make written representations to the governing body. For five-day plus exclusions oral representations may be made to the governing body discipline committee where the parent may be represented. A clerk who should also be able to advise the committee will make arrangements. An officer of the local education authority may also be present, especially in permanent exclusion cases.
You can access the Communities Empowerment Network's (CEN) website at compowernet.org where you will find plenty of information about the type of support they can provide.
On 1 September 2007 new guidance on exclusion came into effect.
Printed copies of the 2007 guidance is available from DCSF Publications, PO Box 5050, Sherwood Park, Annesley, Nottingham NG15 0DJ. Telephone 0845 602 2260. Reference no. 00611-2007BKT-EN. You can also read the guidance online at teachernet.gov.uk/wholeschool/behaviour/exclusion.
