Management Information Sheet

A revised statutory guidance has been issued by the DfE from September 2017.

The exclusion process is still the same; however in a number of areas greater clarity has been given.

Key issues that have been made clear/changed are

• Exceptionally following a fixed period exclusion a permanent exclusion may be issued to begin at the end of the fixed period.(para 3)
• Schools/Academy trusts should set and mark work for first 5 days of an exclusion and must arrange suitable full time provision for any fixed period exclusion over 5 days and it must not start later than the 6th school day. Where a child has consecutive fixed-period exclusions, these are regarded as a cumulative period for the purpose of this duty so education must be arranged for the 6th day regardless of whether it is a one fixed-period exclusion or more than one fixed-period exclusion. (para 45)
• The behaviour of a pupil outside of school can be considered grounds for an exclusion. (para 4)
• The threat of exclusion must never be used to influence parents to remove their child from the school.(para 15)
• Written notifications can be provided by
  • Delivering directly to the parents,
  • Leaving it at their usual or last known address
  • Posting it to the last known address
  • Notification can be given electronically if parents have given written agreement for this kind of notice to be sent in this way
  • Information should be clear and easily understood.
  • Where the parents first language is not English consideration should be given to translating the letter or taking steps to ensure all information is understood. (para 28 and 39)

Guidance is included for the governing body on their duty to reconsider a reinstatement following an Independent Review Panel (page 42)