Pupil reintegration team

Suspensions

Suspensions, also known as fixed term exclusions, mean that your child is not allowed in school for a set number of days for disciplinary reasons. 

We can offer for you and your child:

• telephone and email advice on all matters relating to preventing suspension and exclusions
• attendance at school meetings where preventing suspension or permanent exclusion is one of the main factors

You can find more information about who has the authority to suspend a child from school on the GOV.UK website.

For further advice surrounding suspensions contact us.

Permanent exclusions

A permanent exclusion is used by schools as a last resort. It means that the excluded child can no longer attend the school, unless the governing board directs reinstatement. 

This decision is usually based on a serious incident, inside or outside school, or persistently disruptive behaviour inside or outside of school.

You can find information on the ACE education website regarding:

• the standard of proof
• having a say in a permanent exclusion
• unofficial exclusions
• children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
• other factors affecting an exclusion (such as a bereavement)
• what happens during the exclusion
• finding a new school

See the Department of Education's guidance on the law behind permanent exclusions.

Finding a school after a permanent exclusion

When a child has been permanently excluded from school, we will:

• contact the parent or carer
• help to explain the appeals process
• help to explain the child's education going forward
• support the child and family through the process
• we'll place your child at an alternative education provider, such as a pupil referral unit, unless they have an education, health and care plan (EHC).

The Lincolnshire Fair Access panel allocates places to children who have been permanently excluded from secondary school, and it will consider any preferences that a parent or carer may have. However, a place at a preferred school cannot be guaranteed.

Placement is sought as soon as it is felt that your child is ready to return to mainstream school and in discussion with the child and their parent or carer.

If the allocated school is over three miles from the home address then free transport is provided, which is usually a bus pass.