Suspensions and exclusions: notifying parents, governors and others

Following a permanent exclusion or suspension (fixed-term exclusion), understand who you need to tell and when. Download our template letters to get the necessary information to parents ASAP.

Last reviewed on 19 August 2022
School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 34256
Contents
  1. When do I need to notify people?
  2. Notify parents
  3. Notify your governing board
  4. Notify your LA
  5. Notify local safeguarding partners
  6. Who to notify when a suspension or exclusion is cancelled 

This article is based on the DfE’s statutory guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions, applying from 1 September 2022. It is for maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units (PRUs), and also applies to pupils above or below compulsory school age, such as those attending nursery classes or sixth forms.

'Without delay' (as soon as possible) following the decision to suspend or permanently exclude a pupil Notify: Parents Your LA (and a pupil's home LA if they are permanently excluded) The pupil's social worker or virtual school head (VSH), if they have one Your governing board, if it's a: Permanent exclusion  Suspension that will result the pupil missing more than 5 days (or more than 10 lunchtimes) in the term Suspension that will result in the pupil missing a public examination or National Curriculum test By the end of the first day of exclusion, where possible Notify parents about alternative provision arrangements Once a term Report to your