Suspensions and Permanent Exclusions: Information for Schools

Overview

This page provides guidance for schools on suspensions and permanent exclusions. It should be read alongside the Department for Education statutory guidance and Milton Keynes local procedures. 

Milton Keynes approach to inclusion

Through the Milton Keynes Inclusion Partnership (MKIP), schools work collaboratively to promote inclusion, intervene early and prevent permanent exclusion wherever possible. Permanent exclusion should only be used as a last resort where the statutory test has been met and appropriate support, intervention and alternatives have been considered. 

Headteachers considering permanent exclusion are strongly encouraged to seek advice from the Milton Keynes Inclusion Partnership at the earliest opportunity and, wherever practicable, before a final decision is taken.

Email: exclusions@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Schools must follow:

• DfE Guidance on School Suspensions and Permanent Exclusions (effective from 26 July 2026)
• Keeping children safe in education (DfE)
• Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE)
• Behaviour in schools guide (DfE) 
• Use of reasonable force in schools (DfE)
• Searching, screening and confiscation in schools (DfE)
• Alternative Provision (DfE)

Key principles

When making a decision to suspend or permanently exclude, schools must ensure decisions are:

• lawful;
• reasonable;
• proportionate;
• evidence-based;
• non-discriminatory; and
• in line with their behaviour policy. 

Headteachers should, wherever practicable:

• seek and consider the pupil's views;
• consider mitigating circumstances;
• assess safeguarding concerns;
• consider SEND and disability;
• ensure decisions are based on the balance of probabilities. 

Unlawful exclusions

Informal or unofficial exclusions are unlawful.

This includes arrangements where a pupil is sent home, for example "to cool off", without the formal suspension or exclusion process being followed, even if parents agree.

Before considering exclusion

Schools should be able to demonstrate that a graduated response has been considered before permanent exclusion is used. This may include:

• behaviour support and pastoral interventions;
• SEND and attendance reviews;
• Family Help and wider agency involvement;
• Alternative provision and MKIP consultation;
• Off-site direction arrangements. 

Safeguarding, SEND and Equality

Before excluding a pupil, schools should consider whether behaviour may be linked to safeguarding concerns, trauma, mental health needs, abuse, neglect or unmet SEND needs. Schools should also consider whether exclusion could increase a child's vulnerability. The Designated Safeguarding Lead should be consulted where appropriate.

Schools must consider whether SEND contributed to the behaviour and whether reasonable adjustments have been made. The statutory guidance states that schools should, as far as possible, avoid permanently excluding pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 

Children with social workers

Schools must pay particular attention when considering exclusion for children who:

• have a social worker;
• have a Child in Need Plan;
• have a Child Protection Plan;
• are looked after;
• are previously looked after. 

Where practicable, schools should consult:

• the child's social worker;
• the Virtual School Head;
• relevant safeguarding professionals.

Records of consultation should be retained. 

Permanent exclusion

Permanent exclusion should only be used where:

• there has been a serious breach or persistent breaches of the school's behaviour policy; and
• allowing the pupil to remain in school would seriously harm the education or welfare of the pupil or others. 

Schools should ensure evidence is thoroughly considered and alternatives have been explored before reaching this decision. 

Alternative approaches

Before permanently excluding a pupil, schools should consider alternatives such as:

• Off-site directions;
• Managed moves;
• Alternative provision;
• Behaviour and Inclusion support

Notification requirements

Schools must notify the Local Authority without delay and update the statutory exclusions data through the MK online portal. 

For permanent exclusions, schools must also submit the relevant paperwork to: exclusions@milton-keynes.gov.uk 

Education during suspensions and permanent exclusions

For suspensions:

• schools must set and mark suitable work for the first five school days;
• from Day 6, suitable full-time education must be arranged by the governing board (or local authority in the case of a PRU). 

For permanent exclusions:

• the local authority must arrange suitable full-time education from the sixth school day. 

Governing board reviews

The Governing Board must review:

• all permanent exclusions;
• suspensions where the total exceeds 15 school days in a term. 

Parents may request a meeting where suspensions total between 6 and 15 school days in a term. 

Independent Review Panels (IRP)

Where a Governing Board upholds a permanent exclusion, parents may request an Independent Review Panel within 15 school days of receiving the decision. 

For maintained schools, requests should be directed to: exclusions@milton-keynes.gov.uk 

Academy Trusts are responsible for arranging their own Independent Review Panels. 

Support and contacts

Exclusions Team

Email: exclusions@milton-keynes.gov.uk                

Virtual School

Contact the Virtual School where a child is looked after or previously looked after. 

Governor Services

For advice on Governing Board responsibilities and clerking services:

Email: governorservicesmanager@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Resources

• Exclusion guidance for schools 2026-2027
• Milton Keynes Inclusion Partnership