Exclusions

Children in care are particularly vulnerable to exclusions. The effect on them can be extremely damaging, placing them, potentially, at greater risk than their peers. For this reason, statutory guidance states that schools should “as far as possible” avoid excluding a pupil in care.

If a pupil has been suspended (temporarily excluded) and/or is at risk of permanent exclusion, the social worker should work proactively with schools, foster parents and the virtual school to address any difficulties as a matter of urgency. We must be vigilant and responsive, together. IROs and other key professionals should be involved as required. The PEP should be scrutinised to identify underlying issues and review existing support plans. An emergency PEP review should be arranged if problems are persistent.

In Wolverhampton, the virtual school work alongside the Inclusion Team and other partners to promote inclusion and avoid exclusion from school.

Inclusion team / ISAPP referrals