Suspensions and exclusions guidance: changes from September 2023

Updated guidance on suspensions and exclusions will come into effect on 1 September 2023, for new cases arising from that point onwards. Here we help you sort through what's changed and what hasn't so you can start the new year with confidence.

Last reviewed on 4 July 2023
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School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 45083
Contents
  1. Allow remote access to governing board meetings and independent review panels (IRPs)
  2. Understand tightened rules around cancelling suspensions/exclusions
  3. Clarity on timelines for the board to meet to consider representations
  4. Other minor changes

The updated guidance on suspensions and exclusions comes into effect on 1 September 2023, and applies to maintained schools, academies, alternative provision academies and pupil referral units.

You don’t need to do anything right now. The new guidance only applies to suspensions and exclusions which take place on or after 1 September 2023. If you have ongoing cases, make sure you follow the policy that was in place when the suspension or exclusion process started.

Allow remote access to governing board meetings and independent review panels (IRPs)

Parents/carers can request the meeting be held remotely

Encourage holding meetings in person, because this is still the default. But now parents/carers can request that a meeting be held via the use of remote access (carried out by electronic means, e.g. live video link). 

Where the

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