Suspensions

Suspensions are for a fixed number of school days. Headteachers cannot suspend for an indefinite period of time.

An individual suspension should be for the shortest time necessary, bearing in mind that suspensions of more than a day or two make it harder for the pupil to reintegrate back into school afterwards.

Suspensions must not exceed 45 days in a school year, either as one suspension or as a number of shorter suspensions added together.

A suspension can be issued for just a lunchtime period. A lunchtime suspension counts as a half day suspension. If your child is entitled to free school meals then the school must make other arrangements such as a packed lunch.

The school will provide work for your child during the first 5 days. If they are suspended for longer, alternative provision must be made by the school from day 6 and they will contact you about this.

In exceptional circumstances the headteacher may issue a further, separate, suspension or a permanent exclusion.  If this happens then the headteacher must write to you again giving the reasons for the change.

You can ask for a suspension to be reviewed by governors.

Information you'll receive following a suspension

The school will contact you about the suspension. This should be followed up as soon as possible with a letter which includes:

• the reason for the suspension
• length and time of the suspension and date of return
• 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 suspension
• details of alternative provision the school puts in place from day 6 of longer suspensions
• your right to challenge a suspension, 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

Preventing further suspensions

When your child returns to school you can help prevent further exclusions by:

• attending any reintegration meeting and planning with staff to avert future incidents
• keeping in regular contact with your child’s class teacher, tutor or head of year
• ensuring that you and your child are involved in any future meetings