From Louise Raymond, Exeter 383578, February 06, 2008

SCHOOL exclusions come under the microscope as Devon County Council embarks on a public consultation as part of its scrutiny review.

This review, carried out by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee Task Group, will examine the use in Devon of fixed term exclusions, permanent exclusions and managed moves. Members will assess the cost of providing education and support to children excluded from school, and particular attention will be focussed on the impact of effective behaviour management in schools and the Council's role in promoting the former.

The review is being carried out in response to the Government's agenda to reduce exclusions from schools to a minimum, and for councils and schools to look at ways of managing pupils' behaviour.

Schools have a number of mechanisms for dealing with poor behaviour, but when these have been exhausted the ultimate sanction for a school is to use a permanent exclusion. This is usually seen very much as a last resort by schools.

The Task Group is inviting anyone with a view to share about issues relating to school exclusions, whether positive or negative, to contribute to the review.

Councillor Anne Fry, Chairman of the Task Group said: "This review is about examining the overall picture of school exclusions in Devon and looking at how we can best improve the outcomes for those children excluded or at risk from exclusion, and identifying the way forward for the County.

"Public consultation is very important to us and will help to shape the Task Group's final recommendations so please do get in touch if you have ideas and opinions you would like to share. You can make a real difference."

Anyone who is interested in taking part and giving evidence to the Task Group, or would like an informal chat or more information can contact Dan Looker in the Scrutiny Team on 01392 382722.

Letters and e-mails are also welcome and can be used as evidence to support this review. E-mail dan.looker@devon.gov.uk, or post to Dan Looker, Scrutiny, CEX, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter EX2 4QD.

All submissions should be received by 1 May 2008. It is anticipated that the Task Group will report to the Children and Young People's Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 24 July 2008.

Deputy Leader of Devon County Council and Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services, Councillor John Smith, welcomed the review.

Said Councillor Smith: "We all recognise that it is very important for youngsters to stay and take advantage of all the educational opportunities they are given. They can't do that when they are not in school, either because they choose to truant or because they are excluded.

"This review gives local people and local communities the chance to tell us how they feel about the use of school exclusions across the County.

"Public consultation through scrutiny reviews of this kind influence decisions and helps us target resources and improve services, which I hope will in turn result in improved life chances for children and families in Devon."

Ends

Note to News Eds: Councillor Smith can be contacted on 01626 772223.

Councillor Anne Fry can be contacted on 01626 368054.