Permanent exclusions
What to expect if your child is permanently excluded
A permanent exclusion means the headteacher believes your child's behaviour, either over a period of time or in a one-off incident, was so severe that this is the most appropriate sanction and that your child should not be allowed back in school.
The headteacher may issue a suspension while they investigate the incident and decide whether to issue a permanent exclusion. The suspension letter should state that permanent exclusion could be an outcome of the investigation.
The headteacher's decision is reviewed by a panel of governors, usually called a Governors Discipline Committee (GDC). You and your child have the opportunity to have your say at the meeting and you may be represented by someone who can speak on your behalf, or you can be supported by a friend if you wish.
If applicable, your family support worker, social worker, or a representative from the virtual school can be invited to the meeting.
If the governors agree with the headteacher's decision to permanently exclude your child, you have a legal right to a review at an Independent Review Panel (IRP).
The headteacher may cancel an exclusion that has already begun, but this should only be done where it has not yet been reviewed by the governors. Where an exclusion is cancelled, the parents should be offered the opportunity to meet with the headteacher to discuss the circumstances that led to the cancellation.
Information you'll receive following a permanent exclusion
The school will contact you about the permanent exclusion. This should be followed up as soon as possible with a letter which includes:
- the reason for the permanent exclusion
- how your child’s education will continue
- details for setting and marking work for your child to do during the first five days of any permanent exclusion
- details of the full-time education the Local Authority (LA) must arrange from day 6 of a permanent exclusion
- your right to challenge a permanent exclusion, how to do this and how your child may be involved
- the phone numbers of the Inclusion Support Service (ISS) which can offer information and advice
- your rights under the Equality Act
- Child Law Advice contact details