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5. Exclusions

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Exclusion from school

Exclusion usually happens because the school believes your child’s behaviour is unacceptable and they need some time out of school.  The headteacher may decide on a fixed period exclusion or a permanent exclusion. A child can be excluded with immediate effect.

If your child is excluded from school, the school must follow a number of steps from the day of exclusion and you also have a number of legal responsibilities as a parent or carer.

Fixed period exclusion

A child can be excluded from school for a period of up to 45 school days in a year.  The school will contact parents and send a follow-up letter with further details.  A child can also be excluded for the lunch period, which counts as a half day exclusion.

What the school must do

During days one to five, the school provides work to do at home. If the exclusion is longer than five days, the school takes over responsibility for your child's education from day six onwards.

The school may place your child in another school or centre and you may be asked to make sure your child attends. Depending on age and location, you may be entitled to help with travel costs.

The school will invite you to a reintegration meeting to discuss your child returning to school after a fixed period exclusion. They will also arrange a for a Governors Committee meeting if the exclusion is over 15 days, however, you can request a similar meeting if the exclusion is between one and 15 days. Parents can attend both types of meetings.

Permanent exclusion

If your child is permanently excluded from school, the school will inform you on that day by telephone and then by a formal letter.

The school will provide work for your child to do at home during days one to five.  The school governors will then arrange a meeting within 15 school days of the exclusion and invite parents or carers to attend to state their views. Your child can also attend.

Parents or carers responsibilities

Whether your child receives a fixed period exclusion or permanent exclusion you are responsible for looking after your child and keeping them off the street.

• You must make sure your child understands that they are not allowed in a public place during school hours.
• If your child is found in a public place, with or without an adult, you could be prosecuted or served with a fixed penalty notice.
• You must make sure that your child does not enter the school premises whilst excluded.
• School attendance officers can stop your child and check why they are not in school.  If the reason is exclusion, they will want to know why your child is not at home.
• You will need to arrange to collect and return school work for days one to five of exclusion.

The council's responsibilities

Knowsley Council's Admissions and Exclusions Team can support you through procedures with information and advice. From day six, the council will educate your child. This may be in Newstead Centre in Kirkby or another place, depending on the age and circumstances of your child.

Council staff can assist with finding a new school place for your child.

If you would like independent advice on school exclusions, you can contact The Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) on 020 7704 9822. You can also contact Knowsley's Exclusions Team on 0151 443 5708.