Admissions, attendance and suspensions

We’re committed to reducing school the suspension of children in care (CiC).

We’ve reduced the number of fixed-term suspension but are aware suspensions result in missed time in school and can increase pressure on care placements.

Headteachers should, as far as possible, avoid suspending CiC. Where there are concerns about CiC behaviour, contact our Inclusion Team at the earliest opportunity.

Any changes to provision, including positive referrals or alternative provision, should be also discussed with our Inclusion Team.

The role of the virtual school is to do the following:

• track all suspensions and work to reduce further suspensions
• make sure carers and social workers know where to get suspension advice
• consider what extra assessment and support is needed to address the causes of a child's behaviour
• make extra arrangements to support a child's ongoing education in the event of an suspension

Guidance and policies

For national guidance on behaviour and suspension and help with developing suspension policy use the following DfE links:

• School suspensions and permanent exclusions statutory guidance​
• Behaviour in schools guidance

For local guidance on behaviour and suspensions download the following documents:

• Behaviour, exclusion, part-time timetables and alternative provision circular (Word, 296KB)

Contact us

If you have any questions about virtual school suspensions, contact our Inclusion Team found on our Contact us page.