What happens when a school decides to permanently exclude a child and its responsibilities.
Permanent exclusion is a last resort and all efforts should be made to try and avoid this, if possible.
Permanent exclusion is a legal process and there are strict processes and deadlines that you need to follow. See the DfE statutory guidance on permanent exclusions.
In some cases you may need to suspend a child whilst information is gathered to inform the decision to permanently exclude.
A suspension cannot be converted into a permanent exclusion, but a permanent exclusion can be issued immediately after the suspension period has ended. For example, a child could be suspended and a permanent exclusion issued the day after the suspension ends. This is not a conversion and is legitimate.
When you decide to permanently exclude a child
When you decide to permanently exclude a child from your school, you need to write to the parents or carers to formally inform them of the decision without delay.
The letter should clearly:
- outline why the child is being permanently excluded
- inform the parents or carers of their rights and responsibilities, as well as who they can contact for advice and support
You can use this document model permanent exclusion template letter (26 KB) .
Responsibilities
You're responsible for providing education for the first 5 days following the permanent exclusion.
The local authority, where the child resides, is responsible from the sixth day.
You must notify the local authority where the child resides without delay. If you delay returning these forms it will delay the sixth day provision.
You must complete a document Contextual Risk Assessment (45 KB) and, either a:
- document Permanent exclusion of pupil form for primary school (210 KB)
- document Permanent exclusion of pupil form for secondary school (240 KB)
Email the completed forms and any questions to pex@bristol.gov.uk
What happens next
The governors will meet to review your decision. You will be asked to attend the governors' meeting.
Following the meeting, if the governors decide to uphold your decision to permanently exclude the child, the parent or carer has the right to request an independent review panel (IRP).
The parent or carer has 15 school days from the date they received the letter informing them of the governors’ decision. Usually they will do this by informing the clerk by email. The letter must contain this instruction along with any contact details.
You can only remove the child from the school roll when:
- 15 school days have passed and no request has been received, or
- the parent or carer informs you in writing they will not be requesting an IRP
If the parent requests an IRP within the 15 days, you must not remove the child from the school roll until the review has been determined and until the governing board has completed any reconsideration that the panel has recommended or directed it to carry out.
If an IRP is requested
Academies
If an IRP is requested by the parent or carer, and your school is an academy, the academy trust must arrange this.
It’s possible for the academy to request Bristol City Council or one of our neighbouring local authorities act on their behalf. There will be a charge for this service. To request this service from Bristol City Council, email democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk
You must arrange the IRP without delay.
Schools
If your school is local authority maintained, the local authority will arrange the IRP. To request this, email democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk
Inform the IncludEd team
The IncludEd Team does not organise IRPs, but you must keep them informed about the IRP. Make sure you send any copies of the outcome letters to pex@bristol.gov.uk