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Suspensions and exclusions: resolving difficulties with parents/carers

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

Updated
on 23 July 2026See updates
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 34186
Contents
  1. If your school can't get in touch with parents/carers
  2. If parents/carers behave unacceptably during a hearing

If your school can't get in touch with parents/carers

Your school's duty to notify parents/carers

Schools must notify the suspended or excluded pupil's parents/carers 'without delay', telling them:

  • How long the suspension is for, or about the permanent exclusion
  • The reason(s) for it

See paragraph 82 of the statutory suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance.

Schools should do this in person or by phone in the first instance, as this will allow the parents/carers to ask questions or raise concerns (paragraph 92 of the guidance). Your school should maintain correct and up-to-date phone numbers for parents/carers, so the headteacher can do this. 

Your school must also give the parents/carers certain information in writing, without delay. Direct your headteacher to our template letter, which covers the information they're required and advised to use. Our templates are also available as part of our suspensions and exclusions eLearning course for governors.

Remember, your