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Suspension and exclusion guidance: summary of changes

Get up to speed with key changes to the statutory suspension and permanent exclusion guidance, in effect from 26 July 2026, including a new safeguarding protocol and updated expectations for managed moves and governing board monitoring.

New
on 1 June 2026
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 46561
Contents
  1. The updated guidance comes into force from 26 July 2026
  2. Pupils can temporarily be kept off-site for safeguarding purposes
  3. Managed moves are permanent and cannot be used as trials
  4. The guidance now specifies the information to provide to parents about off-site direction
  5. Academies must follow the same procedures for off-site direction as maintained schools
  6. There are new off-site direction powers for PRUs
  7. Interim PEP reviews should be considered for looked-after children at risk of suspension or exclusion
  8. Be alert to these additional examples of off-rolling
  9. There are enhanced data monitoring expectations for your board
  10. Be aware of these additional clarifications on meetings

The updated guidance comes into force from 26 July 2026

The DfE has published a new version of its statutory suspension and permanent exclusion guidance for maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units (see the document labelled 'comes into force from 26 July 2026'). 

Review your school’s suspension and permanent exclusion policy, if it comes to you for approval once your senior leaders have updated it Review your school’s procedures on the use of off-site direction and managed moves (we're working on an article to help with this – select 'Save for later' at the top of this page to be notified when it's ready) Make sure your designated safeguarding lead (DSL) has been made aware of the new ability to temporarily forbid a pupil from the premises for safeguarding reasons (see the section below) Start preparing to meet the enhanced monitoring expectations from September (you'll find more detail about