Challenging Suspension

If you disagree with the suspension

You should receive something in writing informing you of how you can challenge the decision if you disagree with it.

If your child has been suspended for five days or fewer, you can ask the Governors' Discipline Committee to hear your views. There does not have to be a meeting of the committee and the headteacher's decision cannot be overturned, but the governors' views will be placed on your child's record.

For all suspensions of over five school days in a term the Governors' Discipline Committee can overturn the headteacher's decision and can reinstate the pupil. The committee can reinstate a pupil either immediately or from a specified date. This may not be possible where the meeting is held after the exclusion has ended but a note of any decision will be placed on the pupil's record.

For suspensions of more than five and up to 15 school days in a term you can ask for a meeting of the Governors' Discipline Committee. This must take place within 50 school days.

For suspensions of over 15 school days in a term there must be a meeting of the Governors' Discipline Committee. This will be within 15 school days.

You are entitled to attend the meeting and can take a supporter or friend. The school will write to you with details and the arrangements for this meeting.

If the suspension means your child would miss a public exam or national curriculum test the governing board must convene a meeting to consider reinstatement within 15 days of receiving notice of it. However, the governing board must take reasonable steps to meet before the date of the examination. If this is not practical, the chair of governors may consider a pupil's reinstatement alone.

Details of your child's suspension will be entered on their school records.  You have a right to see your child's school record, and can contact the school to arrange this.

Challenging a suspension If you want to challenge the decision, you need to show that the suspension was not reasonable, fair or appropriate. Check that the school has followed the proper procedures as in the government guidance document (external link).  Check carefully your child's version of events and the school's - is there any evidence? Did the school follow their behaviour policy? Was your child affected by any other factors at home or school, and if there is an ongoing problem, has any support for your child been considered? If your child's special educational needs affect their behaviour, has there been any discrimination due to disability? You can ask to see incident reports and witness statements - the school should have compiled a report of the incident. The school behaviour policy and the school SEN policy/local offer/SEN report should be available on the school website. To see your child's school record, you will need to request this in writing.

Suspension and Exclusion, guidance for schools