If you have SEND (special educational needs or disabilities), you might be more likely to be suspended or excluded from school. Here’s what that means — and what your rights are.
What is a Fixed Period Suspension?
- You are sent home from school for a short time, like one, two, or three days.
- It can be for a full day or just part of the day (for example, lunchtimes only).
During a fixed suspension:
- Your school must give you schoolwork for the first five days.
- If you're out for more than five days, they must arrange full-time education from day six (like at a special centre or Pupil Referral Unit ).
They cannot just keep adding days or change it to a permanent exclusion unless something serious happens.
What is a Permanent Exclusion?
- This means you are not allowed to come back to your school.
- Your name will be taken off the school list (roll).
- It should only happen as a last resort, if nothing else has worked.
After you’re excluded:
Unlawful (Illegal) Suspensions – Not Allowed!
Sometimes schools break the rules. Here’s what they are not allowed to do:
- Send you home just to ‘cool off’
- Keep you out of school because they say they can’t support your needs
- Refuse to let you back unless you do something (like admit you were wrong)
- Send you home without a proper suspension letter
- Punish you because of something your parent or carer did
These are all illegal. You have the right to be in school and get an education.
What you can do
If you think something is wrong:
- Talk to a trusted adult — a parent, carer, teacher, or advocate.
- Ask for a letter explaining the suspension or exclusion.
- Contact SENDIAS (they help young people with SEND).
- You can also ask for help from the local council or a lawyer.
Remember
- You have the right to an education.
- You have the right to be treated fairly.
- You have the right to get the support you need in school.
