27/05/2026
Too many times students with SEND are suspended without guidelines being followed, but most importantly, without their EHCP being followed, often leading to overwhelm and meltdowns that could have been avoided!
The goal should always be education being accessed, whether that be through mainstream schools, specialist schools, or homeschooling. What should always stay at the forefront of any students education should be *their* needs.
Just published: Guidance on the suspension and permanent exclusion of pupils from local-authority-maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units, coming into force on 26 July 2026.
This guidance details the legal responsibilities for those who suspend (fixed period exclusion) and permanently exclude pupils from educational settings, including:
- headteachers
- local authorities
- governing bodies
- academy trusts
- independent review panel members
- independent review panel clerks
- special educational needs experts
It governs the exclusion of pupils from:
- local-authority-maintained schools
- academies and free schools
- pupil referral units
Read the Guidance: https://zurl.co/cJohs