Suspensions and permanent exclusions
Schools may use suspensions and permanent exclusions to respond to serious behaviour issues.
- Suspension
- a fixed period when your child cannot attend school and must stay at home
- Permanent exclusion
- when your child is permanently removed from a school
Only the headteacher can decide to suspend or permanently exclude a pupil. Behaviour outside school may also be considered.
Suspension
A suspension can be for one or more fixed periods, up to a total of 45 school days in one academic year. If this limit is reached, the school may consider permanent exclusion.
A suspension can apply to part of the school day, for example at lunchtime. Each lunchtime suspension counts as half a school day.
Your responsibilities during a suspension
The school must write to you with the reason for the suspension and the date your child should return.
You are legally responsible for making sure your child is not in a public place during school hours without a valid reason. You may receive a penalty notice or face prosecution if you do not follow this.
If the suspension lasts more than five school days, the governing body must arrange suitable full-time education.
Returning to school
The school may arrange a reintegration meeting to support your child’s return. Your child must still return on the agreed date, even if a meeting does not take place.
Schools should have a plan to support your child when they return. This may include help from other services.
Further action
A suspension cannot be extended or changed into a permanent exclusion.
In exceptional cases, if new information is found, the school may issue a further suspension or a permanent exclusion to begin immediately after the first suspension ends.
Permanent exclusion
A headteacher may decide to permanently exclude a pupil as a last resort. This may happen for:
- serious or repeated breaches of the school’s behaviour policy
- situations where staying in school would seriously affect the education or safety of your child or others, including staff
What happens next
The school’s governing body must review the headteacher’s decision within 15 school days.
From the sixth school day of the exclusion, we become responsible for your child’s education. This is usually through a pupil referral unit or other alternative provision until a suitable full-time place is arranged.
During the first five days
For the first five school days of a suspension or permanent exclusion, if alternative provision is not yet in place, the school must set and mark work for your child.
Schools may use online learning platforms to provide work that is suitable and accessible.
Further help
If you need advice, email exclusions@swindon.gov.uk.