Quick summary: what's changed?
The updated guidance on suspensions and exclusions came into effect on 1 September 2022, and applies to maintained schools, academies, alternative provision academies and pupil referral units.
The changes aren't as sweeping as anticipated
While the government's response to the Timpson report in 2019 suggested some major changes might be on the way, it's now clear that:
- Your school still won't be held accountable for the outcomes of permanently excluded pupils
- LAs continue to bear financial responsibility for placing pupils who are permanently excluded
Additionally, the promised guidance on the use of removal from classrooms (also called 'internal exclusion') can be found in the DfE's updated behaviour guidance.
Here are the headlines on what's changed
New rules around whom the headteacher must notify of a suspension or exclusion, and when: In addition to notifying parents, you must now also notify the governing board