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Separation for safeguarding purposes: procedures and guidance

Be clear on the procedures for separating a pupil for safeguarding purposes. Understand when you can use it and how it differs from disciplinary measures such as suspensions and exclusions.

New
on 10 July 2026
School types: All•School phases: All•Ref: 53858
Contents
  1. What is separation for safeguarding purposes?
  2. How to separate a pupil for safeguarding purposes
  3. How to record a safeguarding separation
  4. Create a robust reintegration strategy

This article is based on the Department for Education (DfE)’s statutory guidance on suspension and permanent exclusion, which comes into force from 26 July 2026.

What is separation for safeguarding purposes?

Separation for safeguarding purposes is a temporary measure where a pupil is forbidden from attending your school premises because of the risk that they could pose to other pupils or staff. 

It should only be used in rare circumstances where:

  • A serious safeguarding allegation has been made that requires pupils to be physically separated, such as child-on-child harm, and
  • There is a risk to pupils or staff that can’t practicably be dealt with in a way that lets 1 or more pupils remain on school premises

It should only be kept in place while allegations are actively being considered and investigated.

A disciplinary intervention, such as a suspension or exclusion. It doesn't count toward a pupil's