Exclusion Arrangements

At Boughton-under-Blean and Dunkirk Methodist Primary School, fixed term suspensions or permanent exclusions will always be the last resort and will be used only in extreme cases of inappropriate behaviour or when all other attempts to engage a child in changing their behaviour have failed. Only the Headteacher may suspend a child. In the event that the Headteacher is offsite, a Senior Leader may contact the Headteacher who can grant permission for a suspension to be made in his absence.

The Headteacher may suspend a child for one or more fixed periods, for up to 45 days in any one school year. The Headteacher may also exclude a child permanently. It is also possible for the Headteacher to convert fixed term suspensions into a permanent exclusion, if the circumstances warrant this.

If the Headteacher suspends a child, he will inform the parent immediately, giving reasons for the suspension. At the same time, the Headteacher will make it clear to the parents that they can, if they wish, appeal against the decision to the Governing Body. The school will inform the parents of how to make such an appeal. The Headteacher informs the LEA and the Governing Body about any permanent exclusion and about any fixed term exclusions beyond five days in any one term.

The Governing Body itself cannot either suspend a child or extend the suspension period made by the Headteacher. When an appeals panel meets to consider suspension, they consider the circumstances in which the child was suspended, consider any representation by parents and the LEA, and consider whether the child should be reinstated. If the governors’ appeals panel decides that a child should be reinstated, the Headteacher must comply with this ruling.

A child may be suspended for one of the following reasons:

• Physical assault against a pupil
• Physical assault against an adult
• Verbal abuse / threatening behaviour against a pupil
• Verbal abuse / threatening
• Cyber/ bullying
• Racist abuse
• Sexual misconduct
• Drug and alcohol related
• Damage
• Theft
• Persistent disruptive behaviour

You can read our full behaviour policy for more information (link below).

In cases of suspension, Boughton-under-Blean & Dunkirk Methodist Primary School follows the guidance provided by Kent County Council and the Department for Education.  Links to the relevant documents are posted below for your information.