gigglingoblin- my gut feeling as a teacher, parent and governor is that this has been poorly managed by the head and that you have every right to feel disappointed. Whilst I doubt that you are likely to get this decision changed this week, you do have right of appeal and should have been made aware of that by the Head. I have put 3 extracts from the guidance down below, the final one being a model letter suggesting how a parent might be addressed when an exclusion is to be made.
My suggestionis that you sleep on it, read through the information you have and then if you still feel strongly, ( and I think you probably should and will, ) that you write a brief note to the Head teacher, couched in calm language, saying that you wish to make representation to the GB. Make clear that you support the school as far as is possible but do not feel that they are adequately providing a curriculum to meet his needs and that the exclusion is unfair and has been poorly managed etc. Make sure thro' communication with xp that you have all the facts.
good luck.
robinpud
Governing bodies must also review fixed period exclusions which would result in the pupil being excluded for more than 5 school days but not more than 15 school days in any one term, only where the parent has expressed a wish to make representations. They must decide whether or not to reinstate the pupil, if appropriate, or whether the head teacher's decision to exclude the pupil was justified. The governing body can delegate the function of reviewing exclusions to a committee consisting of at least three governors which may be called the Discipline Committee.
- But the governing body must, in the case of a fixed period exclusion of 5 school days or fewer in one term (and which does not bring the pupil's total number of days of exclusion to more than 5 in one term), consider any representations made by the parent. If representations from the parent are received the governing body must consider them, but they cannot direct reinstatement (model letter 1). In such cases the governing body has discretion to agree to a meeting if the parent requests a meeting to discuss the exclusion. No statutory time-limits apply to the consideration of such exclusions, but the governing body should consider responding promptly to any request from the parent.
Model letter 1
From head teacher (or teacher in charge of a PRU) notifying parent of a fixed period exclusion of 5 school days or fewer in one term, and where a public examination is not missed
Dear [Parent's Name]
I am writing to inform you of my decision to exclude [Child's Name] for a fixed period of [Period ]. This means that he/she will not be allowed in school for this period. The exclusion begins/began on [date] and ends on [date].
I realise that this exclusion may well be upsetting for you and your family, but the decision to exclude [Child's Name] has not been taken lightly. [Child's Name] has been excluded for this fixed period because [Reason for Exclusion].
[School other than PRU] You have the right to make representations to the governing body. If you wish to make representations please contact [Name of Contact] on/at [Contact Details — Address, Phone Number, email], as soon as possible.
[PRU] You have the right to make representations to [name of LEA]. These representations will be considered by [ set out arrangements which the LEA have made for considering representations]. If you wish to make representations please contact [Name of contact] on/at [Contact Details-Address, Phone Number, email] as soon as possible.
You should also be aware that if you think the exclusion 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 SEN and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST). The address to which appeals should be sent is SENDIST, Procession House, 55 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JW.
You also have the right to see a copy of [Name of Child]'s school record. Due to confidentiality restrictions, you will need to notify me in writing if you wish to be supplied with a copy of [Name of Child]'s school record. I will be happy to supply you with a copy if you request it. There may be a charge for photocopying.
The school will set work for [Name of Child] during the period of his/her exclusion [detail the arrangements for this]. Please ensure that work set by the school is completed and returned to us promptly for marking.
You may wish to contact [Name] at [LEA Name] LEA on/at [Contact Details — Address, Phone Number, email], who can provide advice. You may also find it useful to contact the Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) — an independent national advice centre for parents of children in state schools. They offer information and support on state education in England and Wales, including on exclusion from school. They can be contacted on 020 7704 9822 or at www.ace-ed.org.uk [insert reference to local sources of independent advice if known]
[Name of Child]'s exclusion expires on [Date] and we expect [Name of Child] to be back in school on [Date] at [Time]. I am sure it would be helpful for us to meet to discuss [Name of Child]'s return to school before they are due back. Please could you contact [Name] to arrange a convenient time and date.
Yours sincerely
[Name]
Head teacher