Suspension and Permanent Exclusion Policy

LoveSpring Nursery School - Ensuring Safe and Caring Education

Introduction

LoveSpring Nursery School is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive. While we prioritize positive behavior management and early intervention, there may be rare circumstances where suspension or exclusion becomes necessary to protect the welfare of children and staff.

This policy outlines our approach to these serious measures, ensuring they are applied fairly, lawfully, and as a last resort for children aged 6 months to 5 years at our Coventry location (CV1 5HA).

1. Policy Aims

Our Commitment to Fairness

This policy aims to:

Ensure the exclusion process is applied fairly and consistently
Help governors, staff, parents and children understand the process
Maintain a safe and happy environment for all children
Prevent children from missing essential early education
Ensure all suspensions and exclusions are carried out lawfully
Provide appropriate support and intervention before exclusion

Preventing Unlawful Practices

We strictly prohibit 'off-rolling' - the unlawful removal of children from our register. We will never:

Send children home to 'cool off' without formal procedures
Exclude due to special educational needs we feel unable to support
Remove children due to poor developmental progress
Make attendance at meetings a condition of remaining enrolled
Pressure parents to voluntarily remove their child

2. Legal Framework

2.1 Legislative Requirements

This policy operates within the framework of:

Education Act 2002 (as amended by Education Act 2011)
School Discipline (Pupil Exclusions and Reviews) (England) Regulations 2012
Education and Inspections Act 2006
Equality Act 2010
Children and Families Act 2014
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework 2024
Working Together to Safeguard Children

2.2 Statutory Guidance

Our procedures follow Department for Education statutory guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements for early years providers.

3. Definitions

3.1 Key Terminology

Term	Definition	Application in Early Years
Suspension	Removal from nursery for a fixed period	Very rare in early years, considered only in extreme circumstances
Permanent Exclusion	Removal from nursery permanently	Last resort after exhaustive support and intervention
Off-site Direction	Temporary attendance at alternative provision	Not typically used in nursery setting
Managed Move	Agreed transfer to another setting	Considered when current provision cannot meet child's needs
Parent	Anyone with parental responsibility or care of child	Includes guardians and carers with legal responsibility

4. Roles and Responsibilities

4.1 Nursery Manager

Responsibility	Requirements	Timescale
Decision Making	Only Manager can suspend or exclude, as last resort	After thorough consideration
Parent Notification	Inform parents immediately by phone, follow up in writing	Without delay
Governing Board Notification	Notify of all permanent exclusions and significant suspensions	Without delay
Local Authority Notification	Inform LA of all suspensions and exclusions	Without delay

4.2 Decision-Making Process

Before Any Exclusion Decision

The Manager must:

Consider all relevant facts and evidence
Allow the child to express their version of events (age-appropriate)
Consider any special educational needs or disabilities
Assess vulnerability factors (social worker, looked-after status)
Explore all alternative solutions and support
Consult with relevant professionals
Ensure the decision is proportionate and necessary

4.3 Information Requirements

Written Notification to Parents

Must include:

Reason(s) for suspension or exclusion
Length of suspension or confirmation of permanent exclusion
Parents' right to make representations to governing board
Information about reinstatement meetings
Right to be represented and bring a friend
Option for remote meeting participation
For compulsory age children: parental responsibilities during exclusion

4.4 Special Considerations

Vulnerable Children

Additional requirements for:

Children with SEND: Consider reasonable adjustments and support
Children with Social Workers: Notify social worker immediately
Looked-After Children: Inform Virtual School Head without delay
Young Children: Extra consideration of developmental stage

4.5 Governing Board Responsibilities

Function	Responsibility	Timeframe
Reinstatement Consideration	Consider parents' representations and reinstatement	Within 15 school days
Education Provision	Arrange suitable education during longer suspensions	By 6th day of exclusion
Data Monitoring	Review exclusion patterns and characteristics	Regularly
Policy Oversight	Ensure fair and lawful application of policy	Ongoing

5. Reinstatement Considerations

5.1 Governing Board Meetings

Meeting Requirements

The governing board must consider reinstatement when:

Exclusion is permanent
Suspension totals more than 15 days in a term
Child would miss statutory assessments

Invited parties include: Parents, child (if appropriate), Manager, social worker, Virtual School Head.

5.2 Decision Factors

Consideration	Assessment	Evidence Required
Lawfulness	Was decision lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair?	Policy compliance, documentation
Welfare	Impact on child's welfare and safeguarding	Risk assessments, professional views
Evidence	Balance of probabilities assessment	Incident reports, witness statements
Alternatives	Exhaustion of support and interventions	Support plans, professional involvement

6. Independent Review Process

6.1 Panel Requirements

Independent Review Panel

For permanent exclusions, parents can request an independent review:

Application: Within 15 school days of governing board decision
Panel Composition: 3 or 5 members including lay chair, governors, managers
Impartiality: No connection to school, child, or incident
Training: Required within last 2 years
SEN Expert: Parents can request appointment at no cost

6.2 Possible Outcomes

Decision	Meaning	Consequence
Uphold Decision	Support governing board's decision	Exclusion stands
Recommend Reconsideration	Suggest governing board thinks again	Non-binding recommendation
Quash Decision	Decision was flawed in law/procedure	Must reconsider reinstatement

7. Reintegration and Support

7.1 Reintegration Strategy

Successful Return to Nursery

Following any suspension, we implement a comprehensive reintegration strategy:

Regular contact during suspension period
Designated key person support on return
Clear behavior expectations and positive reinforcement
Regular progress reviews with parents
Access to additional support services if needed
Celebration of successful reintegration

7.2 Reintegration Meetings

Participant	Role	Importance
Child	Understand fresh start, express feelings	Age-appropriate participation
Parents	Support reintegration, share insights	Partnership approach
Key Person	Implement support, monitor progress	Consistent relationship
Manager	Oversee strategy, ensure compliance	Leadership commitment

8. Monitoring and Review

8.1 Data Collection and Analysis

Monitoring Requirements

We regularly collect and analyse data on:

Suspension and exclusion rates and patterns
Characteristics of children involved
Effectiveness of interventions and support
Reintegration success rates
Equality impact assessments

8.2 Policy Review

Biennial policy review by Manager and Governors
Regular monitoring of exclusion data and trends
Staff training updates on policy changes
Parent consultation on policy effectiveness
Benchmarking against sector best practice

Contact Information

Nursery Manager: [Manager's Name]

SENCO: [SENCO's Name]

LoveSpring Nursery School: 8 Albert St, Coventry, CV1 5HA

Telephone: +44 (0)24 1234 5678

Email: admin@lovespringschool.com

Chair of Governors: [Chair's Name]

Local Authority: Coventry City Council

Approved by: Mrs

Last reviewed on: 01/09/2025

Next review due by: 30/08/2026

Signed: _________________________

Position: Nursery Manager, LoveSpring Nursery School