When a suspension is issued

If your child has been suspended, you will be informed in writing without delay.  

You will be told:  

• why your child has been suspended
• how long they have been suspended for, including dates
• of your right to make representations to the school’s governing board
• of your duty to ensure your child stays at home for the first 5 days, unless you have a valid reason. A fine may be issued if this is breached
• the arrangements for education during and after the suspension 

If a pupil has been suspended for:  

• less than five days: governors can review the suspension without parents being involved. You may submit written views, but governors are not required to meet with you unless your child will miss an exam
• between one to 15 days: parents can request in writing a review of the suspension
• more than five days: governors will request a meeting with the parent or carer of the child
• more than 15 school days in one term, or if suspension leads to missing an exam: governors must arrange a meeting with the child’s parent or carer  

For suspensions:  

• up to 5 school days: the school must provide work for your child to complete at home
• over 5 school days: the school must arrange alternative full-time education from Day 6 (this could be in another setting or online) 

If your child has an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) or SEN, the school must: 

• ensure reasonable adjustments are made
• consider whether the behaviour was linked to unmet needs
• consider calling an early annual review of the EHCP 

After the period of suspension has ended, a school must facilitate a reintegration meeting to:  

• support the pupil's transition back into school life
• acknowledge the suspension, while focusing on a fresh start
• understand the incident, its context, and identify any underlying factors, such as unmet SEND needs, bullying or wellbeing issues
• provide an opportunity for the pupil to reflect on their behaviour and begin restorative work, especially if relationships with staff or peers were affected
• agree on next steps, set clear expectations, identify behaviour goals or review a Pastoral Support Plan
• reassure the pupil that the school wants them to succeed. Give parents a voice in the process and equip them to support their child at home
• reduce the risk of repeat incidents 

All exclusions must follow the correct procedure and be recorded as exclusions. It is unlawful just to send a child home, even if parents or carers agree. 

It is unlawful to exclude or lengthen an exclusion for a non-disciplinary reason.