A fixed period exclusion is where your child is temporarily removed from school. This is most often between one and three days, but can be up to 45 days in any one school year, including if your child has changed school.

The Headteacher must inform you of their decision to exclude your child on the same day, and will write to you with a date for your child to return to school.

Exclusions up to five days in one school term

The school must provide work for your child to do at home, which you will be responsible for collecting.

Parents and carers can make representations to the school’s governors to appeal against the exclusion. Governors must consider these representations, but do not necessarily have to meet with parents.

Exclusions of between five and 15 days in one school term

Schools should provide excluded students with full-time education provision, from the sixth day of any exclusion.

Parents and carers can request to meet with the school governors to consider the exclusion.

Exclusions of between 16 and 45 days in one school term

Education should continue to be provided for your child whilst they are excluded.

The governors must meet to consider the exclusion. You will be invited to attend this meeting.

Lunchtime exclusions

Pupils can be excluded from the school site during lunchtime. Parents are responsible for their child during this time. If your child is entitled to have free school meals, the school must arrange them.

Lunchtime exclusions should not normally be used for longer than five days.

At the end of the exclusion

You and your child may be asked to attend a reintegration interview at the school when your child returns to school.

Permanent exclusion

A permanent exclusion is when the headteacher decides that your child should not return to that school.

The headteacher must write to you stating the reason for the exclusion and informing you of your right to make representations to the school’s governing body.

What happens after a permanent exclusion?

The school’s governing body will arrange an exclusion meeting to consider the headteacher’s decision to exclude your child. You will be invited to attend and state your views. Before the meeting you should submit any documents and statements that you would like the governors to consider. At the meeting you will be able to ask questions and bring witnesses. It is up to you whether your son/daughter attends and whether you take with you a friend or representative.

The governors can make one of two decisions:

• to allow your child to return to school by overturning the exclusion - a date will be agreed for your child to return to school.
• to uphold the headteacher’s decision to permanently exclude.

As Camden Council becomes legally responsible for your child’s education after permanent exclusion, we will contact you to discuss your child’s continuing education.

Can I appeal against the governors' decision?

Yes. If the permanent exclusion is upheld, you will receive a letter informing you that you have 15 school days to decide whether to challenge the governors' decision at an independent review panel (IRP) The IRP is independent of the school and will consider the same evidence provided at the governors’ exclusion meeting.

The IRP has three options:

• to uphold the exclusion decision,
• to recommend that the governing body reconsiders their decision,
• to quash the decision and direct the governing body to consider the exclusion again.

Is the exclusion process the same if my child has special educational needs (SEN)

Schools should as far as possible use alternatives to exclusion for children with special educational needs. This is particularly the case for those who are in the process of being assessed for a statement.

The special educational needs team should be consulted before a permanent exclusion takes place.

Independent organisations

• Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) - Exclusions helpline
• Communities Empowerment Network (CEN) - Education advocacy support
• Children’s Legal Centre
• CARAF Centre/Camden Black Parents and Teachers Association
• National Drugs Helpline

• FWD: drug and alcohol service for young people in Camden (up to 18 years). Self referrals are encouraged.

Camden Council services

• For support in preventing further exclusions and advice on accessing services Contact Camden School Inclusion Team
• For information and advice relating to Special Educational Needs Contact the Special Educational Needs Team
• For information about the availability of school places Contact the Schools Admissions Team

• Contact the Education Exclusion Appeals Panel