Education News: Exclusions - Charity warns of psychological harm

In a new report, the charity says that the exclusions process often affects children's self-esteem and can result in children harbouring feelings of anger and injustice.

"We've found that young people do generally want to get an education," said Carol Nevison, assistant programme director for Save the Children.

"However, many of the young people we spoke to feel very confused about the whole process of exclusion in school and that they have no control over what will happen to them.

"This, quite understandably, often leads to anger, bitterness and frustration towards their schools and teachers, and has a negative effect on their self-esteem and confidence."

The report, A Fair Hearing?, was based on interviews with 40 excluded young people and 20 professionals working with excluded young people.

Save the Children has also produced a guide to help pupils who have been excluded to make informed choices about their options and rights.

- www.savethechildren.org.uk.