URGENT Query - exclusion. Can anyone help?

[Justunbelievable]

Had call today to say that ds is being excluded for behaviour and failing to follow instructions. He has suspected AS/ASD and has sm for BESD. Lsa does not work today so very litle help was given. A supply teacher was also in class and it is well documented that he doesn't like change (she told him off for rocking on chair which school are aware is sensory-seeking behaviour and helps to calm him down. I was due to travel to another part of the country for job interview (which school knew about) so have had to cancel that at considerable expense. I am furious with them. Dh and I had a bet on that once Sats were finished HT would try to exclude. She already mentioned that she didn't know how they would get through the next few weeks! I feel they have done very little that was specified on the sm and just don't want him there. Have a meeting later and am furious - any tips please?

I didn't want this to go unanswered. As far as I know they have to tell you specifically what your child is being excluded for, if you feel that your child is being discriminated against (it does sound like his needs are not being met) then you must mention this to the school immediately.
Is it a fixed term exclusion or permanent?

Fixed term.I do not feel that they are meeting his needs but believe I can't appeal against any exclusion less than 5 days. They seem to be all talk and no action. HT has threatened him with exclusion before to get him to comply which I feel is not the right way to deal with him.

Well threatening him with exclusion is certainly (IMHO) no way to get the 'desired' behvaiour out of any child!
Try this link toIPSEA which will give you the basics of what to do.

However I think you need firstly to deal with the exclusion and then to deal with the schools lack of action with your son's needs.

Under the department for children, schools and families publication 'Improving behaviour and attendance: fuidance on exclusion from schools and pupil referral units' it states:

64. Under than in the most exceptional circumstances, schools should avoid permanently excluding pupils with statements.

There is also a section regarding disabled pupils and how schools have a legal duty under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 not to discriminate against disabled pupils by excluding them from school because of behaviour related to their disabilty.

I think you should write to the school detailing what happened today, just so there is a record. Also, might be worh calling IPSEA or ACE (0808 800 0327) on their Freephone Exclusion Advice Line.

HTH.