School suspensions and exclusions

A headteacher may decide to permanently exclude a pupil under strict circumstances. We provide support and advice for excluded children and their parents.

Excluding a pupil is a serious decision and the decision can only be made by the head teacher or their deputy.

There are three types of exclusion:

• Fixed period - A pupil can be excluded from school for one or more fixed periods not exceeding 45 school days
• Lunchtime - Pupils who display disruptive behaviour at lunchtime may be excluded from the premises for the duration of lunchtime
• Permanent - this is usually the final step in the process.

Independent providers for advice on school exclusions

You may wish to contact independent providers for advice;

Coram's Child Law Advice Service

• Website: childlawadvice.org.uk/information-pages/school-exclusion
• Phone: 0300 330 5485
• Availability: Monday to Friday, 8am – 6pm

ACE Education

• Website: ace-ed.org.uk
• Phone: 0300 0115 142
• Availability: Monday to Wednesday, 10am – 1pm (term time only)

Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA)

• Website: ipsea.org.uk
• A registered charity offering free, independent information, advice, and support for children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities, including exclusion advice.

Autism Education Trust (AET)

• Operated by the National Autistic Society (NAS)
• Phone: 0207 903 3660
• Website: autismeducationtrust.org.uk
• Provides guidance for parents, carers, and education professionals on autistic children and exclusion-related matters.

SENDIASS Leicester

• Website: sendiassleicester.org.uk
• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: 0116 482 0870
• Free and confidential advice for parents and families on special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

If you wish to speak to the council's exclusions team, please telephone 0116 454 5520.