Suspensions and permanent exclusions from school

We’ve developed this strategy with open and honest conversations with schools, early help and the voluntary sector. We’ve also heard from our parents, carers and children and young people.

All children and young people are entitled to inclusive, high quality education which is suitable and meets their needs, and which paves the way to a successful future.

Our ambitions

• Reduce the number of children and young people being removed from mainstream education as a result of their behaviour.
• Address factors that lead to specific groups of children and young people being disproportionately affected by exclusion.
• Drive a whole system commitment to work with children and young people at risk of exclusion in a trauma informed way.
• Improve outcomes for children and young people who are excluded.
• Improve reintegration rates from alternative provision back into mainstream education.

Our commitments

The commitments listed outline the high-level steps we plan to take in order to achieve the ambitions of this strategy and will be underpinned by a more detailed action plan to be implemented over the coming years.

• Parents/carers must be empowered with the information, skills and opportunities to advocate for their children.
• The systems and processes in place must provide assurances that every exclusion is legal and fair.
• Presenting behaviours in school are only one part of a child’s or young person’s lived experience and schools are only one part of the network in place to support those who are vulnerable in other areas of their lives.
• Children and young people may need targeted support around specific needs or stages and this support must be readily available with barriers to engagement removed.
• Children and young people should have the opportunity to thrive in education and training that aligns with their skills, interests and aspirations.
• Everyone has the right to be treated fairly and equitably where they live and learn.
• Children, young people and their families should have the option of being supported by professionals and organisations they trust and that can relate to their lived experiences. 
• We are collectively responsible for ensuring all children and young people have the opportunity to thrive in education.
• We have a duty to invest responsibly in provision that is known to be effective and that is meeting local needs.