Fixed period exclusion
A fixed-period exclusion is the term used when a pupil is barred from the school for a fixed amount of time. Permanent exclusion is when a pupil is permanently barred from the school premises.
The Headteacher (or most senior member of staff in the Headteacher’s absence) may decide to exclude a pupil from school for a fixed period in response to a breach or breaches of the school’s behaviour policy.
When a fixed period exclusion is issued the pupil is given a definite date to return to the school. A fixed period exclusion can be for a lunchtime period, or between half a day and 45 days in length, but a pupil cannot be excluded for more than 45 days in one academic year.
The Headteacher or another member of staff must inform parents about the exclusion without delay, and must also provide them with a letter advising of the length of the exclusion and the reason for it. The letter will include information about how parents can make representations about the exclusion and where to seek further advice.
During the exclusion
The school will set work for the excluded pupil to complete at home during the exclusion. If the exclusion is over 5 days in length, the school has a legal duty to arrange suitable full-time education from the sixth day of the exclusion, which may be at another school. The arrangements will be notified to parents in writing.
Parents have a legal duty to ensure that their child is not present in a public place in school hours during days 1-5 of any fixed period exclusion, without reasonable justification. Failure to ensure this may result in a fixed penalty notice or prosecution by the local authority.
Reintegration meeting
The school may arrange a reintegration meeting following a fixed period exclusion to discuss the pupil’s behaviour in more detail with their parents. This may include discussion about additional support for the pupil.