Suspensions and exclusions: resolving difficulties with parents

Get advice on what to do if parents behave in an unacceptable way during the suspension or exclusion process. Find out what your school can do if parents can't be reached when a pupil is suspended.

Last reviewed on 7 September 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 34186
Contents
  1. If your school can't get in touch with parents
  2. If parents behave unacceptably during a hearing

New guidance on school suspensions and permanent exclusions for maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units came into effect 1 September 2022. 

Read our article to see what's changed: suspensions and exclusions guidance: changes from September 2022.

If your school can't get in touch with parents

Schools must notify parents of suspensions (formerly fixed-term exclusions) or permanent exclusions 'without delay', under the suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance (see paragraph 62).

The guidance says that schools should notify parents in person or by phone in the first instance, as this will allow parents to ask questions (see paragraph 72). Your school should maintain correct and up-to-date phone numbers for parents so that they're able to do this. 

Remember, your school is still responsible for the child while they're on