Attendance and exclusions

Internal exclusions

Internal exclusions are used when a teacher wants to move your child from class for disciplinary reasons, but your child is not allowed to leave the school site.

This is done usually for children who are disruptive in class.

Unlike suspensions or permanent exclusions, these are not legal exclusions, so they are not covered by any legislation. 

However, the school's behaviour policy should have information about how internal exclusions can be used.

Informal exclusions

Schools must follow the correct procedure and formally record any exclusion of a pupil, even it is for a short period of time.  

Informal exclusions are unlawful, even if you have agreed to them.  

Examples of informal exclusions include:

• if the school asks you to keep your child at home
• if the school asks you to collect your child early
• if the school says that your child is unable to take part in an activity, such as a school trip

Informal exclusions are often done with the best intentions, for example, if it is thought your child may be distressed.  

It can mean that your child misses out on learning and socialisation opportunities.

It can also mask the depth of your child's difficulties and prevent them from getting the support they need.

If your child has been informally excluded, you should contact SENDIASS.