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SEN

Here you'll find advice from parents and teachers on special needs education.

Can a child be expelled from school mid SEN assessment?

3 replies

farrow220 · 21/02/2023 15:25

My DD recently started secondary school. Her impulsive behaviour has not improved at all - she is now at risk of being excluded from his school as he blurted out an inappropriate comment. We were asked to collect her from school.
She is not a destructive or vindictive child but clearly the impulsive behaviour is driving all the wrong decisions since September which have escalated to a review of her place at the school . We are currently in the process of an ADHD assessment to obtain a formal diagnosis. All these low level /disruptive behaviors have resulted her being issued with 2 temporary exclusions and numerous detentions -- using phone and laptop in class, allegedly trying to grab another child, calling out inappropriately etc. The school are saying they can do nothing for her unless she has a stated special needs. DD is very active and heavily involved in school clubs etc. Her self esteem is seriously low at the moment and she keeps telling herself she is stupid and will amount to nothing. This is not true - she has amazing qualities and potential to go on and do great things in life. I tell her this everyday, She is angry with himself and regrets the poor decisions she makes. I am very worried about her, she has also lost her appetite and not eating well lately. DD clearly needs support and counselling until we can get her the right level of help at school
Can a school exclude a person that is in the middle of a SEN assessment? I would be grateful if anyone could share their experiences and feedback. I am scared of what will happen as case has now gone up to the headmaster.

OP posts:
JustKeepBuilding · 21/02/2023 18:39

A diagnosis isn’t required for DD to be classed as having SEN. The school must make reasonable adjustments. Unless it is an independent school the school must also make their best endeavours to meet DD’s SEN whether or not she has a diagnosis.

Schools can permanently exclude whilst pupils are undergoing assessment, but they have to follow the correct procedure. If the school excludes for behaviour that is a result of a disability it may be disability discrimination, but the school is likely to argue they had a legitimate reason such as health and safety.

We were asked to collect her from school.

Was this a formal exclusion?

Have you considered applying for an EHCNA?

Toomanyminifigs · 21/02/2023 18:44

Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than me will come along but are you aware of the law around fixed term exclusions/permanent exclusions?

I believe these apply to all DC, regardless of SEN:

www.ipsea.org.uk/what-steps-does-the-school-have-to-take

Also: www.ipsea.org.uk/disability-discrimination-and-exclusions

Have you meet with the school Senco to discuss all of this? What has the school put in place to support your DD? Support should be based on need rather than diagnosis anyway. The school has a duty to support your DD.
My DS had full-time support years before he got his formal diagnosis.

You can also apply for an EHCP needs assessment without a diagnosis.

Toomanyminifigs · 21/02/2023 18:45

X-post! Apologies.

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