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Know your rights and responsibilities Central Government Policies and Law School exclusion

School exclusion

Statutory guidance on the exclusion of pupils from local-authority-maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units from the Department of Education.

For current information on school exclusions during the COVID-19 pandemic please see the Government publication 'Changes to the school exclusion process during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak'

This guidance details the legal responsibilities for those who exclude students from educational settings, including:

  • headteachers
  • local authorities
  • governing bodies
  • academy trusts
  • independent review panel members
  • independent review panel clerks
  • special educational needs experts.

    It governs the exclusion of pupils from:

  • local-authority-maintained schools
  • academies and free schools
  • pupil referral units
  • Statutory guidance sets out what schools and local authorities must do to comply with the law. You should follow the guidance unless you have a very good reason not to. | Read the statutory guidance |

    The Secretary of State for Education has made a series of announcements under the banner: New action to improve outcomes for children with additional needs. This includes:

  • The launch of an externally led review of exclusions, led by former Children’s Minister Edward Timpson
  • A ‘roadmap’ setting out how the government will transform alternative provision
  • A £4 million Alternative Provision Innovation Fund
  • A call for evidence on how to improve educational outcomes for Children in Need

  • Details can be found here
  • Edward Timpson article in the Daily Telegraph

    • Related pages

    © West Sussex County Council 2024