Exclusion
Education Leeds has an Exclusion helpline that parents and carers can ring for advice and information: 0113 3951177.
The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) produces guidance for schools, local authorities and pupil referral units on what should be done when excluding a pupil.
There are two types of exclusion from school, fixed term or permanent.
Fixed term exclusions are for a set number of days and may be for a lunchtime period which is classed as half a day. Fixed term exclusions must not add up to more than 45 school days in a school year. Parents have the right to make representations to the governors if they do not agree with a fixed term exclusion. Parents can do this in writing. If an exclusion is for more than 5 days in one school term the governors will meet to review the exclusion if the parent makes representations.
Permanent exclusion is when the head teacher considers that a pupil should not be allowed back to the school. Where a permanent exclusion is confirmed by the school’s governors, Education Leeds are responsible for providing suitable education from the 6th day of the confirmation of a permanent exclusion.
Parents are not responsible for making educational provision for their excluded child but are responsible for supervising their child whilst they are excluded from school during the first 5 days of any exclusion. Parents may face a penalty notice if their child is found in a public place whilst excluded and during school hours without a justifiable reason.
For fixed term exclusions of longer than five days, the school has a duty to arrange suitable full-time educational provision from and including the sixth school day of the exclusion.
For further information about disability discrimination and exclusions please look at the disability section or download our exclusion leaflet for parents and carers below.
Visit the Teachernet website to read about Improving behaviour and attendance – guidance on exclusion from schools and pupil referral units.
Parent contracts and orders
A parenting contract is a formal agreement between a parent and either the school or local authority. It is a voluntary agreement so a school or a parent can not be forced in to a contract. Parenting contracts are not a punishment but an opportunity for parents and their child’s school to work together to improve their school attendance or behaviour. Support for the parent should be offered through a contract.
A parenting order is imposed by a court and is compulsory. It has two elements: firstly, a requirement for the parent to attend counselling or guidance sessions, which could include a parenting support course. This support for the parent should help them to improve their child’s behaviour or attendance. Secondly, the order requires the parent to comply with any actions specified in the order.
Parenting orders are designed to help and support parents. Should a parent not co-operate, a decision will be made as to whether the failure to comply should form the basis of a prosecution. The penalties for breaching a parenting order include a fine of up to £1000, a probation order, a curfew order or an absolute or conditional discharge. All appeals against the award of a parenting order will be heard by the crown court.
(Link to exclusion leaflet for parents and carers)