In 2009/10, 5,740 children were permanently excluded from maintained schools in England. Of these, 74 per cent were children with special educational needs (SEN).
According to exclusion statistics, pupils with Statements of SEN are eight times more likely to be permanently excluded from school. The government has taken a step to address this in its proposed new exclusion guidance, Exclusion From Schools and Pupil Referral Units in England.
The guidance follows the changes made by the Education Act 2011, although the act’s exclusion provisions are not yet in force.
The guidance is clear: where children with SEN demonstrate persistent or serious poor behaviour, schools should consider whether alternative or additional support is required to prevent behavioural problems escalating to a point where exclusion is necessary. It is also unlawful for a school to exclude a pupil simply because they have additional needs that the school feels it is unable to meet.
Register Now to Continue Reading
Thank you for visiting Children & Young People Now and making use of our archive of more than 60,000 expert features, topics hubs, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:
What's Included
-
Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month
-
Email newsletter providing advice and guidance across the sector
Already have an account? Sign in here
