School suspensionS: INFORMATION AND SUPPORT FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
At our school, we believe that every child has the right to feel safe, happy and ready to learn. We are committed to providing a positive, inclusive learning environment in which all children can thrive, and we work hard to support children to make positive choices and manage their behaviour.
Suspension is never a decision we take lightly. We understand that a suspension can be upsetting and worrying for both children and their families. We always consider the circumstances carefully and explore appropriate strategies to support a child’s behaviour before reaching this decision, wherever possible.
A suspension is a serious step and is used when an incident or pattern of behaviour is sufficiently serious that a child’s continued presence in school would compromise the safety and wellbeing of others, or significantly disrupt the education of other pupils. This may include behaviour that places children or staff at risk of harm, or prevents other pupils from learning in a safe and calm environment.
Every child has the right to an education, but every child also has the right to be safe. We have a responsibility to protect the wellbeing of our whole school community, including pupils and staff, and to ensure that learning can take place without serious disruption or risk.
We believe that working together with families is key to helping children move forward positively
We understand that a suspension can raise questions and concerns for parents and carers. The information below explains your rights and the steps you can take following your child's suspension. It also provides details of useful organisations and support services that may be able to offer advice and guidance during this time.
We encourage all parents and carers to read this information carefully and to contact the school if they have any questions or require further support. We are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure that every child is supported to move forward positively.
You have the right to make representations to the school’s Governing Board Discipline Committee where the decision to suspend can be reviewed. The Governing Board Discipline Committee must consider your representation if you request it to do so. Whilst the Governing Board Discipline Committee has no power to direct reinstatement, they must consider any representations you make and may place a copy of their findings on your child’s school record. They are not required to arrange a meeting with parents. If you do wish to make representations to the Governing Board Discipline Committee please contact Nicola Blatchford (Clerk to Governors) by emailing admin.downshall@redbridge.gov.uk as soon as possible. Please advise if you have a disability or special needs which would affect your ability to make representations.
You should also be aware that if you think this suspension relates to a disability your child has, and you think disability discrimination has occurred, you have the right to appeal, and/or make a claim, to the First Tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) https://www.gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-special-educational-needs-and-disability . Making a claim would not affect your right to make representations to the Governing Board Discipline Committee.
You also have the right to see a copy of your child's school record. Due to confidentiality restrictions, you will need to notify the Headteacher in writing if you wish to be supplied with a copy of your child's school record. The School will be happy to supply you with a copy if you request it. There may be a charge for photocopying.
The School inform the School Exclusions Team at the London Borough of Redbridge of your child’s exclusion. You may wish to contact London Borough of Redbridge School Exclusions Team. (contact details are below). You may also find it useful to contact sources of impartial advice for parents such as:
- Coram’s Child Law Advice service https://childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/school-exclusion/ or contacted on 0300 330 5485 from Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm
- ACE education run a limited service and can be reached on 0300 0115 142 on Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 1pm during term time. http://www.ace-ed.org.uk/
- Redbridge Information, Advice and Support Service for Special Educational Needs & Disability (RIASS) https://redbridgeiass.org.uk/ 0208 708 8939 rias@redbridge.gov.uk
- National Autistic Society (NAS) School Exclusion Service (England) 0808 800 4002 schoolexclusions@nas.org.ukhttps://www.autism.org.uk/what-we-do/help-and-support/school-exclusion-service
- Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (known as IPSEA – www.ipsea.org.uk) is a registered charity. It offers free and independent information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities.
- Communities Empowerment Network http://cenlive.org/ 020 7733 0297 info@cenlive.org
- Statutory guidance on school suspensions and permanent exclusions can be accessed at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-exclusion