E
Exclusion from school
Children who have suffered abuse or are under considerable stress, may communicate their hurt in different ways, for example by disrupting their classes, damaging property, outbursts and fights or bullying, or by becoming uncooperative or withdrawn. Teachers need to provide a balance between responding to challenging behaviour in a way that provides consistency for the class, whilst understanding that a troubled child may require support as much as discipline. Managing such situations requires schools to think creatively about how best to progress the interests of the majority of their pupils whilst meeting the needs of individuals.
In all cases when considering exclusion, schools should:
- check that there are appropriate arrangements for the care of a child or young person before they are sent from the school premises
- consider whether there are family or other circumstances that mean support is required if a child is excluded
- find out whether the child concerned is on a Child Protection Register, or compulsory measures of care, in which case Social Work must always be informed
- undertake a risk assessment to ensure that the child will not be placed at further risk while they are excluded from school
- where there are child protection concerns, consult the education authority to seek alternative educational provision for the pupil while excluded from school, without delay
- consider appropriate arrangements for re-integration into school after the exclusion. For children and young people who have experienced abuse or neglect, stability and consistency in schooling is essential. If an exclusion is necessary, reintegration into the same school is often in the best interests of the child.
Scottish Executive Guidance on Exclusion from School (Circular 8/03) provides full information on legislation and procedures in relation to exclusion from school. www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/education/cefs-00.asp