The formal removal of a pupil from school, either for a fixed period or permanently. Children with SEND are disproportionately represented in exclusion statistics. Schools should consider whether a child’s behaviour is linked to unmet SEND needs before excluding. Alongside formal exclusions, some families experience informal exclusions — such as being asked to collect a child early, or a child being placed on a part-time timetable without formal agreement. These are not lawful without parental consent and a clear plan. If your child is on a reduced timetable, you can ask the school to set out the justification and the plan to return to full-time education in writing.
See also: SEN Support, EHCP