Son about to get expelled, what do I ask

[Schoolhelpp]

Son had had 14 days suspension over 3 instances. He’s been sent home as has shown defiance, got upset, hit a window hard on the door with his hand and its smashed and cut his hand. Luckily wounds ok. School will expell him for this I am sure. No EHCP yet, applying now and recent ADHD private diagnosis.

I am awaiting a call on the fall out of this but fully expect as damaged properly and recent behaviour its going to be kicking him out.

what do I beed to ask when they call? What are the options for moving and getting a placement? Send schools have to have. EHCP in place so nit an option. He’ll massively mentally struggle with this. I know the governors will review and I think I could represent but the challenge is I cannot say he wouldn’t get overwhelmed. He’s upset about it, embarrassed he lost his temper.

We had a slightly reduced timetable for this term. He had 4 sessions a week in their sen unit and has been on their sen register since year 7, in year 9 now. Behaviour deteriorated at the end of year 8, year 9 escalated to suspensions. I think because he has had 3 and he has damaged the property after being defiant its the end of the road.

When you say DS has been sent home, do you mean just because his cut needs attention or do you mean he has been suspended? If the latter, is it a formal suspension or informal?

Start by reading the statutory suspension and permanent exclusion guidance here. And you might find some of the guides and templates/suggested wording on here helpful.

What support is the school providing? You don’t need to say DS wouldn’t get overwhelmed. Where are you in the EHCP process? I would be pushing to remain at the current school, with alternative provision in place if necessary, whilst you go through the EHCP process.

Sent home with a suspension but they usually call us, confirm details and full consequence so if its a short exclusion. I think this could be permanent.

I agree re keeping him on their books. They have helped with some support hut he is definitely overwhelmed and disengaging it. I think if it’s per manager it goes to the governors doesn’t it and they review? Plus I could represent him for their consideration. Basis would be recent diagnosis, mental health, we have sought counselling and likely will medicate under the diagnosis, he is definitely sen and has needs and I don’t think we have exhausted or explored all reasonable adjustments. I believe the school would admit there is more we could put in place to mitigate reactions. They might choose a redirection first. If he is permanently excluded do they provide any school and do we have to accept? I would have to review the school, he would be isolated not knowing people and such a big chance we would need to build up to it.

If you appeal a permex to the Governing board ( chair) it will go to an exclusion committee from the Governors. Paperwork will be issued before the meeting.
Someone from the Local Authority and a Clerk will attend this meeting. You would be welcome to take someone from the Parent Partnership service with you to support you.

The school can’t convert the suspension into a permanent exclusion. In exceptional circumstances, a permanent exclusion can be issued to begin immediately after the suspension but that isn’t for normal circumstances only for exceptional circumstances e.g. further evidence comes to light.

For a permanent exclusion, the governors must consider the PEX within 15 school days of receiving the notice from the HT.

The LA becomes responsible for education from the sixth day of a permanent exclusion. Often this will be alternative provision in some form, at least initially even if reintegration then happens. You don’t have to accept the offer of alternative provision if you don’t want to.

You can make an in year application and if there is a space the school cannot only refuse a place if the school has good reason to believe DS may display challenging behaviour and they have a particularly high proportion of pupils with challenging behaviour or previously permanently excluded pupils compared to other local schools and admitting another pupil with challenging behaviour would prejudice the efficient education or the efficient use of resources. In these cases they refer to the fair access protocol.

Ok maybe I’m being drmaatic and thinking worst case scenario here. They haven’t confirmed suspension or exclusion yet, explained the incident asked us to collect him and advised would call with an update so I am awaiting that. Really sorry I’m stressed and just want to get myself in order, so I could be looking at:

Suspension. Would breach 15 days for this school year and be reviewed by the governors. I will represent him at this personally to provide some insight.

Exclusion. This would be decided by the head but the governors have to confirm after meeting within 15 days of the decision to either uphold it or not. If upheld the government offer a place at any local school.

Obviously what has happened is bad, he defied instructions, got upset so hit a door with his palms and cut himself breaking the glass. Lucky it’s superficial cuts. I have read the head has to take each case individually but I am sure they will review deteriorating behaviour and I feel the call could be they have decided to exclude.

I sort of need to try and work out what to do. I would favour one school so could call to see if they have any places. I know I need yo wait this out but feel sick.

Email the school to request formal paperwork from the suspension. It is important it is formal rather than an unlawful informal exclusion.

It would help you to read the statutory guidance so you know the rules. Being suspended for more than 15 days in a term, not year, means the governors must meet to consider the suspension.

The education LAs provide following permanent exclusions isn’t always in a school. Sometimes it is via alternative provision.