The Independent Grammar School: Durham

PERMANENT EXCLUSION POLICY AND PROCEDURES

Introduction

Schools are required to promote good behaviour and to employ appropriate sanctions where appropriate.  IGS: Durham has an exclusions policy which refers to fixed term exclusions.  This document describes in more detail the school’s policy on permanent exclusion and the procedures surrounding it.

The ultimate aim of any permanent exclusion is to safeguard pupils and where appropriate staff within the school. 

This document should be read in conjunction with the Entry Form signed by all parents and the following policies and other documents, all of which can be found on the school website:

·       Behaviour Policy

·       Admissions Policy

·       Parental Undertaking

·       Exclusions Policy

·       Equality, Diversity and Belonging Policy

·       Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy

The school in implementing this policy will have due regard to the Equality Act 2010 (see EBT Policy).   This means among other things that pupils’ special needs will be taken into account.

Exclusion is recognised as an appropriate sanction in a number of cases but permanent exclusion will usually be a last resort, used when other reasonable options have been exhausted.  In “one-off” serious cases, which in the school’s view represent a risk to the safety and/or welfare of pupils and/or staff, immediate permanent exclusion may be appropriate.  Examples include (note: this is not intended to be an exhaustive list):

·       Actual or threatened violence towards a pupil or member of staff

·       Using or possessing drugs

·       Verbal abuse of a member of staff

·       Possessing and/or sharing pornography (including online)

·       Possessing and/or sharing racist and/or homophobic material (including online)

·       Stealing from the school, its employees or from pupils

·       Sexual assault

·       Wilful defiance of the properly exercised authority of the school or its staff

·       Wilful damage to school property

Permanent Exclusion

This involves a pupil’s permanent removal from the school and the termination of the contract between the school and parents.  In most cases, permanent exclusion will take place only when a range of other options have been attempted.  However, there will be exceptional circumstances (see above) where, in the Principal’s professional judgment, it might be appropriate to permanently exclude a child for a single serious breach (i.e., a one-off or first offence). 

Procedure

The procedure will follow three stages:

1.         INVESTIGATION

The Principal will conduct the investigation.  Parents should be informed as soon as possible if the investigation could lead to permanent exclusion.  However, if the investigation is complex, involving multiple witnesses, police involvement etc., the Principal may require pupils to be kept away from school (i.e., under the terms of a fixed term exclusion) for a reasonable period (usually no more than 5 days is recommended).  This is a neutral act, pending the outcome of the investigation.  Parents should be informed that this exclusion is in order to allow “an investigation which may result in permanent exclusion”. 

2.         DECISION BY PRINCIPAL

Once the investigation is complete, the decision will be communicated at the earliest opportunity by email and follow-up letter.  This will either:

·       state that the pupil may return to school,

·       extend the period of exclusion if reasonably required, or

·       notify parents of a permanent exclusion

Behaviour outside school

The school may impose sanctions relating to behaviour which takes place outside school (e.g., trips, outings, visits, sports fixtures, use of other facilities).  Equally, online activity is always considered within the scope of school sanctions as it may have an impact on members of the school community or the school’s reputation. 

Police involvement

Where the school has reason to believe that an incident has more serious implications, the Principal will determine whether the police should be involved.  School processes and police investigation can run in parallel although the latter should always take priority, so that in some cases school procedures will be put “on hold” pending completion of police activities.   

This is an example of where a fixed term “neutral” exclusion may be used. 

A Police investigation might involve sensitive safeguarding issues and the school will take particular care in such cases, seeking advice where appropriate.

Required Removal

The school may recommend the removal of the child rather than impose exclusion.  This will usually be in the case of a breakdown in trust

 a)         between school and parents.  This might involve (among other things): unreasonable behaviour by parents, refusal of parents to support the school’s behaviour policy, vexatious or abusive behaviour by parents.         

 b)         between the school and a pupil.  This might entail persistent misconduct, disruption, defiance etc.

Investigatory Procedures

The Principal will lead the investigation.  Pupils concerned will be given the opportunity to give their own account of events.  Pupils awaiting interview may be segregated from other pupils.  The school has the right to confiscate mobile phones or other personal belongings (as appropriate) for as long as is reasonably necessary.  Where possible, written statements will be requested, and detailed notes kept by the school of each stage of the procedure.

Suspension

Where necessary, a pupil may be required to stay at home under the terms of a fixed term exclusion, whilst the case is being investigated.  The school will provide work for the pupil to do at home from the second day of the period of exclusion.  Teachers will mark this work if it is returned completed.

Searches

The school has the right to make searches for certain items and in certain circumstances.  These are set out in the Behaviour Policy.

Reports to Police (and others)

The school will report to the Police any activity which they reasonably suspect might lead to a criminal investigation and which takes place either within school, outside of school or online.

Possessions or items including drugs, weapons or phones which are evidence of an offence must be passed to the Police as soon as possible.  Any item which might be seen as an offensive weapon must also be given to the Police.

If the school reasonably suspects a pupil has taken drugs, we will seek immediate medical advice and inform the Police and/or children’s social care.

The school will ensure that the Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy is followed to ensure good practice and that there is sufficient support in place for all pupils.

Meeting

Following initial fact-finding investigation, a meeting will be convened and will be attended by parents, the pupil concerned, the Principal and another member of school staff, who will act as note taker.  This meeting may also involve the Police if appropriate and other agencies where necessary.  Legal representation is not appropriate and will not be allowed, although pupils and parents may if they wish be accompanied by a trusted adult. 

The meeting will be conducted by the Principal and should be as informal as possible.  Everyone should be invited to speak, including the pupil concerned. 

Following the meeting, the Principal will communicate to parents in writing as soon as possible and within three working days at the latest.  His letter will make it clear for parents what sanction has been applied (if any), the reason for it and the parents’ right to appeal.

3.         APPEAL

Parents have the right to appeal against a decision made by the Principal.  The process will follow the appeals process set out within the school’s Complaints Procedure (see school website). 

IGS: Durham

Next Review:              September 2026