Permanent Exclusion From School

Permanent exclusion from school is a formal step taken when the Headteacher considers it necessary that a child should not be allowed to return to school for disciplinary reasons. The power of exclusion rests with the Headteacher. If the Headteacher is absent from school (usually a protracted absence rather than away for a day or part of a day) a senior member of staff will have been designated as acting on his/her behalf. Parents have a responsibility to work with the school and to keep their child at home and away from school premises where further misbehaviour could occur.

Role of the Education Welfare Officer (EWO)

We understand that this can be a stressful and worrying time. Your local EWO is ready to offer help and guidance - the address and telephone numbers can be found on our Contact Us page. Please do not hesitate to contact the EWO should you wish to ask any questions and discuss concerns about the exclusion procedures.

Points to consider

• You should be informed of the exclusion immediately, followed by a letter within one school day.
• The letter will tell you the reason for the exclusion, your rights and the date from the exclusion takes effect.
• You have the right to see your child's school file but you should make a formal request to the headteacher if you wish to do this. They may make a charge for photocopies.
• All exclusions will be discussed by the Governing Body's Disciplinary Committee and you will be given the date for the meeting and should attend if at all possible.
• You may bring along a friend or legal representative.
• The Discipline Committee will allow your child to attend the meeting, but if you feel that you would prefer him or her not to attend it is for you to make that decision in the best interest of your child.

A representative of the Director of Education will also be present to hear the views put forward but will not be party to the decision making part of the meeting.

The Governors will decide whether or not to uphold the permanent exclusion.

Formal Appeal

If the exclusion is confirmed you have the right of appeal to an independent appeal committee.

The LEA will give you the necessary information within three working days.

How do you rate this information/service?