Permanent Exclusion

Permanent exclusion is a very serious matter.

Only a school's headteacher can permanently exclude a pupil or a named deputy if the headteacher is out of school.

A headteacher may decide to permanently exclude a pupil only when he/she is 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 regarding permanent exclusion

• If my child is at risk of permanent exclusion what happens?
• Can my child be permanently excluded for a serious first incident?
• What if my child has a statement for special educational needs?
• How am I told that my child has been permanently excluded?
• What if I disagree with my child's permanent exclusion?
• What is the discipline committee?
• What happens at the discipline committee meeting?
• If the governors uphold the permanent exclusion, is there anything else I can do to return my child to school?
• Further information

If my child is at risk of permanent exclusion what happens?

The school should draw up a pastoral support plan to outline and implement ways of helping your child. This plan will be agreed with you and may set targets for the pupil, parent/carers, school and other support groups. The school could ask your permission to refer your child to an external agency such as the behaviour support team or an educational psychologist to identify any unmet needs and to plan for additional support for your child.

Can my child be permanently excluded for a serious first incident?

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. A headteacher can exclude for a first offence if he deems it serious enough.

What if my child has a statement for special educational needs?

Not all pupils with special educational needs have a statement. If they have, the school can ask the Council to review the statement if your child is at risk of permanent exclusion. Any review will consider the appropriateness of any strategies and provision that is already in place, and may make subsequent changes to any provision.

How am I told that my child has been permanently excluded?

Once the headteacher has decided to permanently exclude your child, the headteacher should advise the parent initially by telephone on the day the decision to exclude is made and in writing, the following school day. The exclusion should normally begin the next day.

The headteacher should then write a letter to you within one school day that gives:

• the reason for your child's permanent exclusion
• the date that the permanent exclusion begins
• arrangements for your child to have school work to do at home during the first five days of the exclusion
• that during these first five days you could be liable to a fixed penalty notice should your child be found in a public place (even if with you) without a valid reason, during school hours in the first five days of the exclusion
• the arrangements that have been made for your child’s continuing education from day six of the exclusion
• your right to see a copy of your child's school record
• your right to give your views on your child's permanent exclusion at a meeting with school governors on the discipline committee
• a final date for you to send any written statements to the discipline committee before the meeting
• the phone number of someone in the Council who can advise you and the phone number of the advisory centre for education.

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 the discipline committee. The clerk to the discipline committee will write to give you the date and time of the meeting. See above paragraph. All participants at this meeting should receive any paperwork to be presented by either party, in advance of the meeting, and at the same time.

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 to uphold the headteacher’s decision to exclude your child and if the exclusion procedures have been carried out correctly in the school in line with government guidance.

What happens at the discipline committee meeting?

The governors will consider the views of the school, you and your child. The governors can decide to uphold your child's permanent exclusion or allow your child to return to school. A Council representative will usually be present at the meeting, but they do not take any part in the decision-making.

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. For more information, contact us using the details below.

Further Information

Attached Files

Filename	Filetype	Size
improving behaviour and attendance - exclusion from schools and pupil referral units.pdf	PDF	424K
exclusion from school - guidance and procedures on improving behaviour and attendance.pdf	PDF	767K
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Useful External Links

The following links are not part of the Haringey Council website. Please read our legal disclaimer before using these links

• Exclusion on Teachernet website
• Professional Development Center map location

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