Advice and information for parents
When a pupil is excluded from school it can be difficult for parents to know where to get advice and support, and what they should do next.
This information will help you to understand the exclusion process and your rights and responsibilities as a parent.
All school exclusions are governed by national guidance.
Headteachers can exclude your child if they misbehave in or outside school.
Exclusion should only be used as a last resort. This is when the headteacher feels that if the pupil stayed in school, it would seriously harm the education or welfare of the pupil or others in the school.
What happens when your child is excluded
Your child’s school will let you know about an exclusion, usually on the same day. They’ll follow up with a letter telling you how long your child is excluded for and why.
You should also be told how to challenge the exclusion, if you want to.
Risk of prosecution if child is found in public place
For the first 5 school days of an exclusion your child should not be in a public place during school hours, This is unless there is a good reason. It is your responsibility to make sure this happens.
You might be prosecuted if your child is found in a public place during school hours when they’re not supposed to be.
There are two types of exclusion - a fixed term or permanent exclusion.