Exclusion

Exclusion is when a pupil is not allowed to attend school for a fixed period or permanently. Only the head teacher or acting head teacher can exclude a pupil if:

• The pupil has seriously broken the school rules
• Allowing the pupil to stay in school would seriously harm their education or welfare, or the education or welfare of other pupils

There are different types of exclusion. These are as follows:

• Lunchtime exclusion (internal exclusion) - this is when a pupil is excluded from school during the lunchtime period. Lunchtime exclusions are equivalent to half day exclusion and these may not total more than 90 during the school year. The school will write to you with the details.
  
• Fixed period exclusion (suspension) - this is when a head teacher excludes a pupil for a fixed period, ranging from half a school day up to a maximum of 45 school days during the school academic year. The head teacher will write to you to advise you that the first day when your child cannot attend their school and the day your child must return school. In this letter they will also advise you of any arrangements for alternative education or homework during this period. The letter will also notify you of your rights to see a Disciplinary Committee.
  
• Multiple exclusion - this is when the head teacher can exclude a pupil more than once. This can be for a number of fixed periods and the total number of school days cannot exceed 45 in any school academic year. When the number of days a pupil is excluded exceeds 15 days in a school term, the school must arrange for the Disciplinary Committee to review the matter.
  
• Permanent exclusion (expelled) - this is when the head teacher decides that the pupil cannot return to the school. The head teacher will write to you to tell you when the exclusion begins, the reason for the exclusion and when the Disciplinary Committee will meet to review the head teacher's decision to exclude.

If your child is excluded for more than 15 school days in one term or been permanently excluded, you can talk to staff at the school or Pupil Service's Section by calling 0208 430 2000. Alternatively, you can contact an independent advisor at Newham Parent Partnership Service on 0208 470 9703 or Exclusion Hotline at ACE on 0808 800 0327 or any other organisation you trust.