UNITED SCHOOLS FEDERATION

St. Michael’s C. of E. Nursery & Primary School   St. Catherine’s C. of E. VA Nursery & Primary School

St. Mary’s C. of E. VA Primary School  Marldon C. of E. VA Primary School  Ipplepen Primary School

EXCLUSIONS POLICY

The United Schools Federation recognises that all children are special irrespective of special educational need, disability, gender or social status.  However, taking into account all the circumstances, the evidence available and the need to balance the interests of the pupil against those of the whole school community, the Executive Headteacher together with the Head of School will decide whether to exclude a pupil, for a fixed term or permanently should the child meet the appropriate criteria.

In the first instance the USF will promote positive behaviour and early intervention and is of the opinion that permanent exclusions are a last resort.

An alternative to exclusion will be sought where possible e.g. restorative justice, mediation or internal exclusion.

For those at risk, additional measures will be taken where appropriate, e.g.:-

• The school engaging with parents;
• A change of teaching set or class;
• Curriculum alternatives where appropriate, including attendance at a sister school;
• Temporary placement in an in-school Learning Support Unit or Pupil Referral Unit where the pupil can receive educational provision intended to improve their behaviour.
• A managed move to another school, with the consent of all parties involved.
• Consideration by the Special Educational Needs team including possible placement in a special school.
• Referral to specialists or the allocation of a key worker such as a Learning Mentor or Education Welfare Officer.

Depending on the type of exclusion, in most cases parents have the right to make representations to the governing body (or discipline committee). In all cases of permanent exclusion parents have the additional right to appeal to an independent appeal panel.

The USF has a duty to provide suitable full-time education for the excluded pupil from the sixth school day of any fixed period exclusion of more than five consecutive school days. Local authorities are under a duty to provide suitable full-time education from the sixth school day of a permanent exclusion

The USF has, and asks parents to sign, a Home School Agreement that outlines the responsibilities of the parent and the school; including those around behaviour and attendance.

Parents are under a legal duty to ensure that their child (aged 5-16) receives a suitable full-time education either at a school or by making other suitable arrangements.

Parents must ensure that their child attends punctually and regularly. If they do not, the school or Local Authority may ask them to sign a parenting contract or may issue a £50 penalty. The Local Authority may also prosecute a parent who fails to ensure their child’s regular school attendance or apply to the courts for an education supervision order in respect of the pupil himself/herself.

Parents have a clear role in making sure their child is well behaved at school. If they do not, the school or Local Authority may ask them to sign a parenting contract or may apply for a court-imposed parenting order.

Parents must take responsibility for their child, if excluded, and ensure that they are not in a public place without good reason during school hours within the first five school days of any exclusion. If they do not, the school or Local Authority may issue a £50 penalty.

Parents must also ensure that their child attends the suitable full time education provided by the Local Authority from the sixth day of exclusion. If they do not, the school or Local Authority may ask them to sign a parenting contract, may issue a £50 penalty or the Local Authority may prosecute them.

Parents are expected to attend a reintegration interview following any fixed period exclusion from primary school and any fixed period exclusion of more than five days from secondary school. Failure to attend may make it more likely that the court will impose a parenting order if the school or Local Authority apply for one.

This policy should be viewed together with full guidance available from the DfES.

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