Suspensions & Exclusions
Suspension and permanent exclusion are extreme sanctions and are only used by the Headteacher (or, in the absence of the Headteacher, the Deputy/Assistant Headteacher who is acting in that role). Exclusion will be used when there is an immediate threat to the safety of others in the Trust or the pupil concerned. Before deciding whether to exclude a pupil either permanently or for a fixed period, the Headteacher will ensure appropriate investigations have been carried out, considering all the evidence available.
What happens if your child is excluded?
Sandhill View Academy will let you know about any exclusion as soon as possible. We will follow up with a letter telling you how long your child is excluded for and why. You may challenge the exclusion, if you wish.
Risk of prosecution if child is found in public place
For the first five school days of an exclusion, it’s your responsibility to make sure your child isn’t in a public place during normal school hours unless there is a good reason. You might be prosecuted if your child is found in a public place when they’re not supposed to be.
Types of exclusion
There are 2 kinds of exclusion – suspension and expulsion.
| Suspension – A suspension is where your child is temporarily removed from school. They can only be removed for up to 45 school days in one school year, even if they’ve changed school. If a child has been suspended for a fixed period, schools should set and mark work for the first 5 school days. Your child’s head of year will arrange this. If the suspension is longer than 5 school days, the school must arrange suitable full-time education from the sixth school day, eg at a pupil referral unit. The inclusion team will arrange this. |
| Permanent Expulsion – Expulsion means your child is expelled permanently from the school. Your local council must arrange full-time education from the sixth school day. |
Alternative education and exclusion
The school or local council must tell you about any alternative education they arrange. It’s your responsibility to make sure your child attends.
Making a complaint
If alternative education isn’t arranged within 5 days, or you’re not happy with the education, you can complain to:
- The school, for suspension
- The local council, for exclusions
If you’re not happy with the response, you can complain to the Department for Education (DfE).
You’ll need to show that you followed the school or council’s complaints procedure.
