When a child is excluded
Exclusion is a measure which headteachers can use to deal with a breach of the school's behaviour policy.
The policy must be available on the school's website.
During the first five days of an exclusion, your child must not be in a public place during school hours without good reason. You could be liable for a Fixed Penalty Notice.
If your child has been excluded and you would like advice:
- email PRT@lincolnshire.gov.uk
- call 01522 555798 (North Lincolnshire) or 01522 555816 (South Lincolnshire)
- write to Pupil Reintegration Team, Lincolnshire Children's Services, Room 141D, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1YQ
For guidance on school exclusions, visit GOV.uk.
Fixed-period exclusion (suspended)
A fixed-period exclusion is where a pupil is temporarily removed from school.
If a headteacher suspends your child:
- you must be told without delay, usually by phone then by letter. The letter must state the reason and the number of days.
- the school should set and mark work for the first five school days. You must ensure this work is done and sent to the school for marking.
- if the exclusion is longer than five school days, the school must arrange full-time education from the sixth school day
- they can only be removed for up to 45 school days in a school year
Appealing against a fixed-period exclusion
- For exclusions lasting five days or fewer in a term, the school's governing body can only add comments to your child's school record
- For exclusions lasting between five and 15 days in one term, you can request that the school's governing body meets to discuss it. It does not have the power to overturn the decision but you can attend to give your views
- For exclusions totalling more than 15 days in one term, the school's governing body must meet to discuss the decision. You and your child must be invited to attend
Permanent exclusion (expelled)
A permanent exclusion means a pupil cannot return to the school.
If a headteacher expels your child:
- they must write to you stating the reason
- the school must formally notify us
- the school must set and mark work for the first five school days. You must ensure this work is done and sent to the school for marking.
- from the sixth school day, we must arrange full-time education for your child
- we will contact you to arrange to discuss the process, your rights and interim education for your child.
- the school's governing body must meet within 15 school days from the date of the permanent exclusion to review the headteacher's decision. You and your child must be invited to attend.
Appealing against a permanent exclusion
If the school's governing body upholds a decision to permanently exclude your child, you can request an independent panel review.
You will receive a letter from the governing body which explains how you can do this.