School exclusion

School exclusion

School exclusion is used by school head teachers to respond incidents of serious misbehaviour.

Exclusions are part of a school's behaviour policy which requires pupils to show respect and consideration to other people and their property.

There are two types of exclusion: 

Suspensions

This is for a specified number of days. Head teachers may suspend a pupil for up to five days at any one time and up to 15 days in any one school term. For longer periods, head teachers must have written agreement from the Education Department.

If your child is suspended the head teacher will try and contact you immediately by telephone and will also write to you.

Their letter will give full reasons for the suspension and will inform you of:

• the length of time for the suspension (date and time of return)
• your right to state your views about the suspension to the Education Department
• who to write to and by when, if you wish to appeal

Your school will set work whilst your child is suspended. They will also make arrangements for you to collect and return it for marking.

A suspension usually follows incidents where a pupil’s behaviour falls well below expectations. Schools will try to improve behaviour with other strategies before a suspension is considered. However, one particularly significant incident could result in a suspension.

Suspensions are not for:

• unauthorised absence, non-attendance or lateness
• minor incidents (not completing homework, not conforming to the school's uniform policy)

Only the head teacher, or a person acting as head teacher can agree a suspension.

Permanent exclusions

Permanent exclusion from school is extremely rare in Jersey. A head teacher must first have the written agreement of the Education Department’s Chief Officer and also from the school’s governing body (if the school has one).

Further information about exclusions is available from the Inclusion and Early Intervention team at the Education Department.