Contact: Colin Hinxman - extn: 7343

1. Summary

The following decision is sought:

1.1. That schools and County Council support services be thanked for their hard work and co-operative approaches in further reducing the number of exclusions.

1.2. That permanent exclusion statistics continue to be monitored and reported to the Education Policy Review Committee.

1.3. That the current policy on the development and support of effective strategies to reduce further permanent exclusions be endorsed whilst acknowledging that DfES changes will further reduce the County Council's ability to influence, directly, the process of permanent exclusion.

1.4. That the financial implications of full-time provision for permanently excluded pupils be included in the list of improvements to be considered for the 2002/3 budget.

2. Reason

To continue progress with the reduction in numbers of permanent exclusions and to make provision for the financial consequences. The advice in 1 above was endorsed by the Education Policy Review Committee at its meeting on 20 November.

3. Other options considered and rejected - Taking no action.

4. Conflicts of Interest, etc. - Not applicable.

5. Dispensation granted - Not applicable.

6. Reasons for the matter being dealt with if urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: (signature) Date: 13 December 2001

Councillor D.G. Allen

8AR511101