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Exclusion from school
Children who have suffered abuse or are under
considerable stress, may communicate their hurt in
different ways, for example by disrupting their classes,
damaging property, outbursts and fights or bullying, or by
becoming uncooperative or withdrawn. Teachers need to
provide a balance between responding to challenging
behaviour in a way that provides consistency for the class,
whilst understanding that a troubled child may require
support as much as discipline. Managing such situations
requires schools to think creatively about how best to
progress the interests of the majority of their pupils
whilst meeting the needs of individuals.
In all cases when considering exclusion, schools
should:
- check that there are appropriate arrangements for
the care of a child or young person before they are
sent from the school premises
- consider whether there are family or other
circumstances that mean support is required if a child
is excluded
- find out whether the child concerned is on a Child
Protection Register, or compulsory measures of care, in
which case Social Work must always be informed
- undertake a risk assessment to ensure that the
child will not be placed at further risk while they are
excluded from school
- where there are child protection concerns, consult
the education authority to seek alternative educational
provision for the pupil while excluded from school,
without delay
- consider appropriate arrangements for
re-integration into school after the exclusion. For
children and young people who have experienced abuse or
neglect, stability and consistency in schooling is
essential. If an exclusion is necessary, reintegration
into the same school is often in the best interests of
the child.
Scottish Executive Guidance on Exclusion from School
(Circular 8/03) provides full information on
legislation and procedures in relation to exclusion from
school.
www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/education/cefs-00.asp
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