Figures from the Department for Education and Skills released last weekshow that 60 reception year children were permanently excluded in2004/05, triple the number for the previous year. The number ofexclusions of other under-11s has also increased. In 2004/05 43,720primary school children were given fixed-term exclusions. In 2003/04that figure stood at 41,300.
A spokesman for The Children's Society said the figures were "disturbingbecause it indicates an excessively punitive approach to very youngpeople with behavioural problems".
Government guidance says schools should take every possible step toavoid permanent exclusion. The Children's Legal Centre's seniorsolicitor and practice manager Julia Thomas said: "These figures suggestthat some schools are not complying with the guidance."
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