Suspension (Fixed Period Exclusion)

Only the head teacher or acting head has the power to suspend a child. You must be informed of the suspension as soon as possible (usually by telephone).  You must also be given a letter explaining the reasons for the suspension, the date your child will return to school and your right to make representations without delay. It will also inform you of your right to attend a meeting where the school governors have a duty to consider the suspension.

Schools should set and mark work for the first 5 days (this can include utilising any online pathways such as Google Classroom or Oak National Academy) and must also provide suitable full time alternative education from and including the 6th day of a suspension.

The law does not allow for extending a suspension or ‘converting’ a suspension into a permanent exclusion. In exceptional cases, usually where further evidence has come to light, a further suspension may be issued to begin immediately after the first period ends or a permanent exclusion may be issued to begin immediately after the end of the suspension.

Unofficial exclusions which ask you to keep your child at home to “cool off” without suspending them are not lawful, even if you agree to it. Children should also not be asked to stay at home due to the school not being able to provide for their special educational needs. If your school raises concerns about meeting your child’s needs, you may wish to talk to the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). It may also be useful to see our factsheet on SEN Support and EHC Assessments.