Coronavirus (COVID-19)

We would like to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the situation and working with the government and NHS.

For guidance on coronavirus and the latest information for Devon, visit Devon County Council’s coronavirus (COVID-19) advice pages.

Information for parents, carers and social workers

Parents and carers

You should be fully aware of the reason(s) that your child has been excluded from school.

Only the headteacher can exclude your child (which must be for a serious breach of the school’s behaviour policy) and the information about the exclusion should be given to you on the day of exclusion clearly stating the:

  • reason for the exclusion
  • duration of the exclusion
  • reintegration date/time
  • school work that is being set.

Please be aware that if the exclusion is over 5 days then the school must make arrangements for full-time education to be provided. Copies of the letters which schools use can be found on this website.

If your child is permanently excluded then after six days Devon County Council will provide education, but prior to that, the school will set work.

You will have a right to challenge the headteacher’s decision in front of three impartial governors. Support can be requested at the meeting from the School Exclusion Project who may be able to send a trainee barrister or solicitor to support you.

You can also seek support from Devon Information Advice and Support who provide information, advice and support on special educational needs and disability (SEND). It’s a statutory service which must be provided by law. Every local authority in England has this type of service and what they provide is shaped by chapter 2 of the SEND Code of Practice and the National Quality Standards for IASS services.

Your inclusion officer will work closely with you to identify a new school as swiftly as possible and to ensure that education is in place.

Further information

Know the law – school exclusions

Information and advice for all ages from babies to young adults

Worried about your child’s behaviour or mental health and not sure what’s normal ? Wondering whether to see your GP ?
Perhaps you’ve been referred to specialist services but there is a long wait ….. or perhaps you’ve been told the problem isn’t quite serious enough to be referred. You’ve come to the right place! Click on the link and then scroll down to find your topic. On the front page you will also find information on specialist services and links to other support.

Social workers

Inclusion officers will work closely to support social workers ensuring that children and young people are in suitable education.

Close working links also exist with area learning advocates from the Virtual School to ensure that children in care are in school and making expected progress in their learning.

No child in care to the Local Authority should be permanently excluded and there is a protocol in place in Devon which should be implemented.

Inclusion officers also support social workers undertaking single assessments, where they are working with children and young people as a ‘child in need’ or on a child protection plan.