What happens when a pupil is excluded

The headteacher must inform you without delay, usually by phone. 

This is followed by a letter to confirm: 

• the reason for the exclusion
• the date it takes effect
• your right to make representations
• the legal responsibilities around supervision 

The headteacher must also notify us and the school governing board. 

By law: 

• your child must not be in a public place during school hours without a good reason for the first five school days
• we will arrange suitable full-time education from Day 6, which could be a Pupil Referral Unit (PRU), alternative provision or specialist support  

The Behaviour, Attendance and Children Missing Education Service (BACME) will contact you to discuss the education plan for your child. 

The Governing Board must review the headteacher’s decision within 15 school days of the exclusion. 

You (and your child, where appropriate) will be invited to attend the meeting. 

You may submit written information and bring a supporter or advocate. 

Attendees may include you and your child, the headteacher, school governors, and a local authority representative. 

The Governing Board can decide to uphold the exclusion or reinstate your child. 

If the Governing Board upholds the exclusion, you have 15 school days from receiving their decision to request an Independent Review Panel  

Waltham Forest will arrange this impartial panel. 

You can: 

• request a Special Educational Needs (SEN) expert, even if your child doesn't have an EHCP 

The panel can: 

• uphold the exclusion
• recommend reconsideration
• quash the decision (if it was legally flawed)  

The IRP cannot reinstate the pupil, but it can direct the governing board to reconsider their decision.