Suspension and exclusion linked to SEND
Questions to ask when SEND, disability or unmet need may have contributed to behaviour leading to suspension or permanent exclusion.
The short answer
SEND or disability does not automatically prevent a school from suspending or permanently excluding a pupil. It does mean the school should examine what it knew, whether needs were identified, whether provision and reasonable adjustments were suitable and delivered, and whether unmet need or disability contributed to the incident. Ask for the written decision, incident evidence, relevant policies, support records and the child's account. Separate what happened from why it may have happened. Consider safety and impact on others as well as the child's access needs. Use the current procedure for your UK nation and obtain independent advice quickly because review and appeal deadlines can be short.
- SEND does not excuse harm or make exclusion impossible, but it remains relevant to the decision and support.
- Establish the incident facts separately from possible contributing needs.
- Check what provision and reasonable adjustments were agreed and available in practice.
- Ask what earlier pattern or trigger was known and what alternatives were considered.
- Act promptly on the written procedure and any review deadline.
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