Guidance for Schools and PRUs on the Exclusion of Pupils

I am writing to formally invite you to consult on the above document, which has been prepared for all Norfolk schools including Pupil Referral Units. There has, already been some informal discussion with interested parties and professional associations last term but I wanted to give you all the opportunity to offer a formal view on the guidance. The document, together with this letter and executive summary, is being circulated to all schools across the County. It is intended that all Chairs of Governors together with representatives from SNAPP, NASH, NASSH, the Inclusion and Equality Partnership Group and NAGM should have the opportunity to comment and respond.

The document aims to provide one source of guidance for Norfolk schools - based on the guidance issued by the DfES in October 2004 and supplementary information. It seeks to clarify the process of intervention and alternatives to exclusion, together with the statutory procedures, and associated roles and responsibilities. It takes account of changes in legislation and amendments to guidance previously circulated from the DfES. A brief description of these changes is given in the 'executive summary' that accompanies this letter.

I would be grateful if you could take some time to consider the guidance and, if you feel it appropriate, comment on the way it is presented and how useful you would find it, and highlight any omissions.

It is intended that the guidance will be adopted by County by the beginning of March 2005. Thus it would be helpful to have your comments and suggestions by the 4th February so that they can be taken into consideration when finalising the document. I hope you will feel able to make a response as I am keen that the guidance is regarded as a jointly agreed framework.

Guidance for Schools and PRUs on the Exclusion of Pupils

I am conscious that you may feel there are some training implications arising from this guidance. We are currently identifying priority areas.

Please feel free to submit comments and responses by email if you wish to dave.pearce@norfolk.gov.uk or by mail, fax or verbally to the address and number above.

This is an important piece of work and I would like to reassure you that your views will be taken into consideration in the preparation of the final document.