What leads to a pupil being excluded?

Exclusion means that your child will not be allowed to attend his/her school for a period of time.  The decision to exclude is never taken lightly and will usually only take place when other strategies have failed.  Only rarely will notification of exclusion be the first time a parent is aware of significant problems.  In general terms the circumstances where a pupil can be excluded are:

• where the parent of a pupil refuses or fails to comply, or to allow the pupil to comply, with the rules, regulations or disciplinary requirements of the school
• where a pupil’s continued attendance at the school is likely to be seriously detrimental to order and discipline at the school or the educational well being of the pupils.

If contact has been made, secondary pupils may then be sent home but primary pupils must either be collected by a parent or be kept within school until the end of the school day.

In all circumstances, you will be sent a letter on the same day notifying you of the decision and offering you a time and place for a meeting within 7 calendar days.

The 'Standards in Scotland's Schools etc. Act 2000' requires schools to provide pupils of legal capacity with their own letter of exclusion and inform them of their right to appeal against the decision to exclude them from school.

Back to top

Does this still apply if my child is 16?

No.  If your child is 16 or over he/she is legally entitled to be dealt with directly and there is no obligation for you, the parents, to be contacted. This right applies throughout all the processes and procedures arising from a decision to exclude.  However, it is the Council’s policy also to deal with parents in such circumstances, but if your child specifically requests that you are not informed/included then this confidentiality will be respected.

Back to top

What form can exclusions take?

There are three types of exclusion:                           

• Temporary Exclusion: Can last up to six calendar days.  Readmission to school is automatic at the end of the period.
• Conditional Exclusion: Readmission may be dependent upon satisfactory assurances from pupil and/or parents regarding future conduct.
• Exclusion/Removal from the Register: The school is reluctant to readmit the pupil and may request that the exclusion be confirmed by the Director of Educational Services as permanent.

There is not an inevitable progression from one type of exclusion to the other.  The decision regarding type of exclusion is taken in light of the most appropriate action for the individual circumstances.

Back to top

Who is responsible for my child when he/she is excluded?

You the parent are responsible for your child’s safety, welfare and supervision.  If your son/daughter is 16 or over then this is no longer the case although you the parent still have a responsibility to guide and direct your child.

Back to top

Pupils who are excluded for more than 3 days are entitled to receive appropriate homework.  Parents should contact the Head Teacher if homework is not forthcoming.

Back to top

What happens if I think my child has been wrongly excluded?

You will receive written details of the full reasons for the decision to exclude your child together with information regarding the Right of Appeal and an address for appeals.  This will either be included in the initial letter you receive or in a separate letter which will arrive very soon after and certainly in advance of the offered meeting date.

If you are unhappy with the outcome of the meeting and/or it does not lead to an agreed way forward you have the right to take matters further. 

Back to top

Contact Details

Your Headteacher

Or

The Inclusion and Support Manager

Beechbrae Education Centre
Duffus Road
Elgin
IV30 4NP
Tel: 01343 557900