Introduction

Talking to the family to gather information about the exclusion can be challenging. Some details may be sensitive, and young people might be reluctant to share things they fear could get them into trouble. However, it is essential to gain a full and accurate picture of the situation in order to build strong, evidence-based arguments and effectively challenge the exclusion. This includes understanding the events leading up to the decision, the school’s stated reasons, and any relevant context that may support the case.

Clarify your role

Set clear expectations from the outset. Agree with the family on exactly what you will and will not do, and ensure they understand that your role is to support them, not to replace their voice.

Initial conversation

The opening conversation with a young person is an opportunity for them to share what is important to them and what they want to achieve. However, it is also helpful to gather specific information that will enable you to support them effectively.

Use open-ended questions to explore what happened before, during, and after the exclusion. Be sensitive to the fact that some details may be difficult to share, especially for the young person, and explain why certain information is important.

Summarise what you’ve heard at the end of the conversation to confirm accuracy, and outline the next steps so everyone knows what will follow.

Downloads

When speaking with the family to obtain information, consider using the template document – Interview form.

Please see our page education records to learn more about the law in this area.

Introduction

Accessing records is key to gathering the evidence needed to challenge a school exclusion. They can help you understand events, identify any inaccuracies, and strengthen the family’s case.

The records may include not only education or school records, but also those held by other services, such as CAMHS or children’s services.

Subject Access Request

In most cases, the rights request you will need to make is a Subject Access Request (SAR).

However, as explained on education records, under the Education (Pupil Information) (England) Regulations 2005, maintained schools are required to provide access to or copies of a child’s educational record to parents on request. You may be able to request the education record on the parent’s behalf if you have their permission.

Forms of authority

Forms of authority provide documented permission to request records on someone’s behalf. They are a necessary requirement before making a request for personal information.

Downloads

• To write to the young person or parent with more information about making an SAR, consider using the suggested wording document – Making a subject access request.
• To obtain the young person’s permission to request records on their behalf, consider using the template document – Form of authority (young person).
• To obtain the parent’s signed permission to request records on the young person’s behalf, consider using the template document – Form of authority (parent).

Introduction

Dealing with a permanent exclusion can be a difficult time for the young person and the family around them. Sometimes, this leads to limited communication. It can be helpful to ask the family you are working with to keep you updated with relevant information as things develop.

Agreeing on a clear point of contact and preferred communication method (such as email or phone) can help ensure important updates are not missed. In addition, keeping a simple log of dates, conversations, and documents received will make it easier to track developments and respond promptly.

Downloads

To request that the family keep you up to date with relevant developments, consider using the suggested wording document – Asking the family to keep you up to date.

Introduction

The statutory school exclusion guidance makes clear that families have the right to be accompanied by a friend or representative to a governing board hearing, and to an Independent Review Panel (IRP) hearing, if it comes to that.

You may not need to attend the hearings, depending on your role in supporting the family. However, if you will be attending, it’s good practice to confirm this in advance, with the governing board for a governing board hearing, and with the academy trust or local authority for an IRP hearing.

The excluded young person’s parent should contact the relevant person to confirm your attendance and outline your role, for example whether you will speak during the hearing or take more of a background role.