Exclusion of pupils - frequently asked questions

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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 he must take action immediately to protect the pupils and staff in the school. Even then he/she 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 LEA 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 LEA 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 excluded?

When your child has been excluded, the head teacher or his representative will make contact with you by telephone if possible and will write to you on the same day setting out the circumstances and reasons for exclusion.  The exclusion would normally begin on the next school day.

The head teacher’s letter will contain the following information:

• the reason for your child's exclusion
• arrangements for your child to have school work to do at home
• your right to give your views on your child's permanent exclusion at a meeting with school governors on the discipline committee
• your right to see a copy of your child's school record
• the name and telephone number of the Education Welfare Officer
• who you can contact if you wish to state your case at a discipline committee meeting
• a final date for you to send any written statements to the discipline committee before the meeting
• Who to contact if your child has a disability

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 local education authority 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. You have up to 15 days to lodge an appeal after you have received confirmation from the discipline committee that your child has been permanently excluded.

Contact Details

If you have any queries staff will be pleased to help you and can be contacted on the following telephone numbers:

Education Welfare Officers based and the Local Education Teams:

• North Wiltshire: 01249 658978
• East Wiltshire: 01380 727931
• South Wiltshire: 01722 743907
• West Wiltshire: 01225 713791

Postal Address:

Principal Education Welfare Officer
The Hollows
Wilton
Salisbury
Wiltshire
SP2 0JE

Last updated: 16 October 2009