Fixed Term Exclusions - FAQ
Who can exclude my child from school?
Only the Headteacher can exclude a pupil from school. Other senior staff may conduct an investigation into a serious incident, but the Headteacher will make the decision.
Only the Headteacher can exclude a pupil from school. Other senior staff may conduct an investigation into a serious incident, but the Headteacher will make the decision.
Is an investigation carried out prior to the exclusion?
Before making a final decision to exclude, the Headteacher will:
Before making a final decision to exclude, the Headteacher will:
a) Ensure that an appropriate investigation is carried out by allowing the pupil to give his/her version of the events.
b) Check if the incident was provoked.
c) Consider the school Behaviour and Equal Opportunity Policy (where applicable, with reference to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Race Relations Act 1976).
d) Think about the evidence before excluding.
How long will a fixed period exclusion be?
Where a pupil is excluded for a fixed term, the exclusion should be for the minimum length of time needed to ensure that the pupil and others in the school understand that the behaviour is unacceptable or for new arrangements to take place. A first fixed term exclusion will normally last from between one to three days, but a Headteacher can exclude a pupil for up to 45 days during the school year.
Where a pupil is excluded for a fixed term, the exclusion should be for the minimum length of time needed to ensure that the pupil and others in the school understand that the behaviour is unacceptable or for new arrangements to take place. A first fixed term exclusion will normally last from between one to three days, but a Headteacher can exclude a pupil for up to 45 days during the school year.
How many times can a pupil be excluded?
It depends on how long each exclusion is. The minimum period for an exclusion is a lunch time exclusion (recorded as 1/2 a day). The maximum number of days of exclusion in any one academic year is 45 full school days, (not counting school holidays).
It depends on how long each exclusion is. The minimum period for an exclusion is a lunch time exclusion (recorded as 1/2 a day). The maximum number of days of exclusion in any one academic year is 45 full school days, (not counting school holidays).
Is my child automatically permanently excluded after having 45 days of exclusion?
No. However, the Headteacher will continue to monitor behaviour and if the pupil shows no improvement he/she may permanently exclude, but may not give any more fixed-term exclusions.
No. However, the Headteacher will continue to monitor behaviour and if the pupil shows no improvement he/she may permanently exclude, but may not give any more fixed-term exclusions.
My child’s first fixed term exclusion was too long. Can I request a reduction?
There is no harm in having a positive and encouraging dialogue with the Headteacher, as you may wish to discuss the reason(s) for the exclusion. The exclusion should be for the minimum length of time needed. 1-3 days is often long enough and avoids affecting a child’s education too much. However, depending on the circumstances of the incident, the Headteacher has the right to exclude for a first and prolonged fixed term exclusion (as long as it does not exceed the maximum of 45 full days in one academic year).
There is no harm in having a positive and encouraging dialogue with the Headteacher, as you may wish to discuss the reason(s) for the exclusion. The exclusion should be for the minimum length of time needed. 1-3 days is often long enough and avoids affecting a child’s education too much. However, depending on the circumstances of the incident, the Headteacher has the right to exclude for a first and prolonged fixed term exclusion (as long as it does not exceed the maximum of 45 full days in one academic year).
I don’t want my child to miss out on their education. How can I ensure this doesn’t happen?
If your child is excluded, the school should make reasonable arrangements to provide them with schoolwork and for it to be marked. You will need to speak to staff at the school to make arrangements to collect the work from the school.
If your child is excluded, the school should make reasonable arrangements to provide them with schoolwork and for it to be marked. You will need to speak to staff at the school to make arrangements to collect the work from the school.
What level of work will the school provide for my child?
The level of work provided by the school should be appropriate to the age and ability of your child.
The level of work provided by the school should be appropriate to the age and ability of your child.
When should my child return to school?
Your child should return to school on the date shown in the letter from the head teacher.
Your child should return to school on the date shown in the letter from the head teacher.