School of exclusion

[GFHT638]

Wondering if anyone can tell me… after a child has been excluded from a school are they allowed to return to attend school functions? For example if they have a sibling at the school.

I'd highly doubt it. What kind of function?

You'll get a letter which should outline everything this covers and your rights.

Alternatively, the school can advise but generally, it's a blanket exclusion from school property.

The school I taught in never allowed the excluded child near the school. We had a few parents of excluded children asking to bring them to events siblings were in and these requests were always refused. It used to state in the exclusion paperwork that they weren’t allowed in school and the parent used to have to sign the paperwork agreeing to the terms of the exclusion.

No.

If it's a suspension, it's against the law to have them seen in a public place without good cause - not coming along on the school run or attending a show, for example - until the period is up (or weekends) and you could be fined. (ETA: whilst a school is a private place, going to the front gate is public and therefore the fact they've travelled there is enough).

If they've been permanently excluded, then for the first five days the same applies and after that point, the school is entitled to refuse to permit them onto school property whether or not the exclusion has been reviewed by governors, appealed against, gone to independent review or it's been accepted.

This is particularly important where there are circumstances such as assault, bullying or threatening behaviour, as that is distressing to victims, but in all, if they can just stroll back in that completely undermines the decision to exclude and if they cause any trouble, nuisance or disturbance, they are committing a criminal offence (if they are over 10 years old) and can be removed.

Suspended children mustn't go out in a public place during school hours during the first five school days of their period of suspension (e.g.: no hanging around in the shopping centre or day trips to the theme park), but outside school their time is unaffected so they can still attend their after-school and weekend activities as normal. They are also allowed to seek medical attention, e.g.: if they fall off a trampoline at home whilst suspended, they can still go to A&E for their X-Ray!

"For the first 5 school days of an exclusion, it’s your responsibility to make sure your child is not in a public place during normal school hours unless there’s a good reason.
You might be prosecuted if your child is found in a public place when they’re not supposed to be."

Thanks all. Does anyone know if this is stated in an official education dept or similar policy somewhere?

@GGFHT638 try the school policy and procedures.

There's a lot here but I couldn't see anything about entering the grounds. Which leads me to think it might be at the discretion of the school.

www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-exclusions-guide-for-parents/a-guide-for-parents-on-school-behaviour-and-exclusion#what-happens-if-your-child-is-suspended-or-permanently-excluded

There's a department of education document about it. When a child is excluded from school, they must remain at home during school hours or you risk a fine.

consult.education.gov.uk/school-absence-and-exclusions-team/revised-school-behaviour-and-exclusion-guidance/supporting_documents/Suspension%20and%20permanent%20exclusion%20guidance.pdf

Thanks everyone. It’s after an exclusion that I am particularly interested in. Whether a child is allowed back onto the premises.
@Heucherarowan I think you may be right that maybe it’s at the discretion of the school. All the .gov documentation is very focused on the process and appeals etc. I can’t see any mention of the rules or guidance to follow after the process has been decided.

I don't understand what time period you're talking about Op. assume child has been excluded now? How long's it for?

Sorry I am not being clear. After a child has been excluded and left the school. Started at another school. Should they be allowed to return as a visitor if they still have siblings at the school they were excluded from. For sports day or plays or whatever the event may be during school time or even at evening events. There doesn’t seem to be any published guidance.

Why not just ask the school? It surely depends on why they were excluded. If they were excluded for aggression towards others then they are unlikely to be welcomed back. Also why would you want to take them back?

In fact the school can decide which members of the public are allowed on the premises so you need to ask.

It looks like some people are mixing up exclusion with suspension. In anu case I don't know the answer to your question, I would suggest asking the school for the specific event and child.

There's also one about removing people from school premises. So if an event were after school hours or at the weekend (and therefore doesn't come under suspension restrictions) or if they are not longer a pupil because they've been permanently excluded, the school can remove them/tell them to leave/call the police if met with refusal.

I can't imagine a situation where it would be a good idea for an permanently excluded child to return to the school site.

Schools are private property, so licence to be on site is always conditional. If there is a risk to the school community - such as the presence of a kid who has been pxed causing distress to others - the licence can be withdrawn. In practical terms, if this is something you are considering, you risk being asked to leave.

If it was to attend something like a gymnastics class on school site that was not managed by the school the licence is different and it would be by agreement.

If you had a SEN child who really depended on for example, being able to attend an end of year performance, you could ask but I would do it openly and politely, stressing the reasons for asking.

Generally though, it would be discouraged as unkind to the child who has been excluded. They deserve a fresh start secured by a clean break - although I do know of one headteacher who permanently excluded a girl whose parents brought her into school after exclusion regularly. Very weird to see the pupil you pxed popping up as an usher for the school play.

But why would you even want to take them back? A clean break for that child would be better plus it's not fair on the children still attending who may have been affected by the excluded child's behaviour. It takes quite a lot to get excluded from a school.

I assume they aren’t at school on the day and the op has other children taking part in something?

As the child was excluded, but is now elsewhere, I think it’s a grey area regarding how long an exclusion lasts and what rules the school has regarding visitors. They can refuse access to school premises.

Exclusion is excluding from educational provision and attendance at school and the dc is off roll. This is clear. Whether a young person then visits is another matter. Personally I’d avoid it. Very difficult for all concerned and a very bad idea. The previously excluded child should be looked after at home or elsewhere if not in school.

Thanks all for the guidance. It’s not actually my child that is excluded but seeking advice for the protection of others at the school who have been impacted. All of the advice has been great.