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Exclusion policy: model and examples
Are there any examples of school exclusion policies? We link to examples of exclusion policies from maintained schools, academies and a special school. We also link to further articles from The Key that look in more detail at the exclusion process and governors' role in it.
Contents
- Model policy from The Key
- Examples from schools
Model policy from The Key
We have created a model exclusions policy. Approved by Forbes Solicitors, this model document is designed for you to adapt to suit your school’s context. All of our model documents take account of relevant requirements and good practice. You can use our model document to benchmark your own policy, save time and help keep your school compliant.
For more model policies and complete policy support from The Key, see the policy bank.
Our model document is up to date with the latest changes to the Department for Education's guidance on exclusions. We summarise the changes to this guidance in another article.
Exclusions: more from The Key
In a QuickRead from The Key, we explain the rules on exclusions in just one page.
We also have in-depth articles that clarify different aspects of the exclusions process and the governors' role, including:
Examples from schools
All-through academy in Lambeth
Durand Academy's exclusion policy covers:
- When exclusion is used
- The exclusion decision and notification
- The investigation and the headteacher’ s decision
- Notifying parents
- Notifying the local authority
- Education during exclusions
- Governing board committee review
- The governing board committee decision
- Notification of the decision
- Removing an excluded pupil from the school roll
- Review by an independent panel
- If the panel does not uphold the exclusion
Secondary academy in East Sussex
Ark William Parker Academy, part of Ark Academy Trust has the following sections in its exclusion policy:
- Introduction
- Aims
- Fixed-term and permanent exclusion
- The principal's role
- Duty to inform parents
- Reviewing the decision to exclude
- Principles of natural justice
- Standard of evidence for panel meetings
- Independent review panel
Foundation special school in Kent
Bower Grove School caters for pupils ages 5-16 with behavioural and learning difficulties.
Its exclusion policy says the school will take account of any SEN when considering whether or not to exclude a pupil, and will take “reasonable steps” to ensure that a pupil is not treated less favourably for reasons related to their disability.
It says reasonable steps include:
- Differentiation in the school’s behaviour policy
- Developing strategies to prevent the pupil’s behaviour
- Requesting external help with the pupil
- Staff training
This article was updated in response to feedback from the headteacher of a small primary school in the south east.
More from The Key
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