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Need-to-know: DfE updates suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance

Updated guidance will come into effect on 1 September 2023. Be alert to the upcoming changes now.

Last reviewed on 26 May 2023
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Contents
  1. Remote access to governing board meetings and independent review panels (IRPs)
  2. Tightened rules around cancelling suspensions/exclusions
  3. Some clarity on timelines for you to meet to consider representations
  4. Other minor changes
  5. Next steps

The Department for Education (DfE) has updated the suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance.

The 2022 guidance is still in effect, so your school doesn't need to do anything right now.

Read our headline summary of what's changing below. More in-depth summaries and resources will be available in the coming weeks.

Remote access to governing board meetings and independent review panels (IRPs)

Face-to-face meetings remain the default, but you can hold meetings remotely:

  • At the request of parents/carers, or the pupil (if they’re aged 18 or above); or
  • In the case of extraordinary, or unforeseen circumstances

Parents/carers and pupils who are 18 or above, must be informed by the headteacher of their right to request a remote meeting.

Annex A of the new guidance sets out key principles to consider when running remote meetings.

Tightened rules around cancelling suspensions/exclusions

Headteachers can now cancel suspensions/exclusions that have not yet started Headteachers must

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