Exclusion

There are two types of exclusion from school, fixed term or permanent.

Fixed term exclusions

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 must meet to review the exclusion if the parent makes representations. Governors may also meet to review shorter periods of exclusion.

If an exclusion is for 6 days or longer, school has a duty to provide suitable full-time educational provision from and including the sixth day.

Depending on the length of the exclusion and the age of a pupil, the school may have to arrange a reintegration meeting.

Advisory Centre for Education Fixed Term Exclusions Leaflet
http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/Resources/ACE/advice%20booklets/FixedPeriodExclusionLR.pdf

Permanent exclusion

Permanent exclusion is when the head teacher considers that a pupil should not be allowed back to the school. This decision is reviewed by the school governors, and if parents request one, an independent appeal panel. Where a permanent exclusion decision is made by a head teacher, the local authority are responsible for providing suitable education from the 6th day of the permanent exclusion decision.

Advisory Centre for Education Permanent Exclusion leaflet
http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/Resources/ACE/advice%20booklets/PermExclusionLR.pdf

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.

Parent Partnership Helpline:
If you would like impartial advice and support for your child's exclusion you can ring us on - 0113 3951200

Local Authority Helpline:
The local authority has an Exclusion helpline that parents and carers can ring for advice and information - 0113 3951177

Department for Education (DFE)
DFE produces guidance for schools, local authorities and pupil referral units on what should be done when excluding a pupil.
You can download this publication here;

http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=downloadoptions&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DCSF-00573-2008&

Behaviour

Parent contracts and orders

Parent Contracts

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.
You can download this publication here;

http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=downloadoptions&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DFES-00528-2007&

Parenting Orders

A parenting order is imposed by a court and is compulsory. Parenting orders are amongst the range of strategies available for tackline poor behaviour and attendance at school.

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.

Attendance

Under Section 7 of the Education Act 1996, parents are responsible for making sure that their children of compulsory school age receive efficient full-time education that is suitable to their child's age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs the child may have. This can be by regular attendance at school, alternative provision or education otherwise (e.g. their parent can educate their child at home).

Advisory Centre for Education Attendance leaflet
http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/Resources/ACE/advice%20booklets/School-Attendance-sept09LR.pdf

The Department for Education (DFE) produces guidance for schools, local authorities and pupil referral units on what should be done when dealing with school attendance.
You can download this publication here;

http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DFES-00529-2007