Governors Disciplinary Meeting

What happens at the GDC?

The governors will listen carefully to all information presented and will decide either to uphold the exclusion or overturn it.

If they uphold the decision to exclude, what happens to my child's education?

The local authority and Foundry College will work with you to find another school.  If your child has an education health & care plan (EHCP), a SEN Officer will also be involved.  In some circumstances it may not be practicable or beneficial to return to mainstream learning and your child may be offered an alternative style of education.  Your child will be expected to attend.

What happens to my child's education in the meantime before the governors meet?

For days 1-5 inclusive, the school will set work to be done at home.  You as a parent/carer are responsible for keeping her/him out of public places during school time.

From day 6 the local authority will provide the equivalent of full time education for your child through Foundry College. You can discuss this with them or the Education Welfare Service. 

What can I do if the governors uphold the exclusion and I disagree?

You have the right to request an independent review panel (IRP) looks at the governors’ decision. As the name suggests the people on the panel will have no connection with the school. You will be given details of how to request a review in your letter from the governors confirming the exclusion. Please take careful note of the time limit (15 school days after you receive the letter, taken as 2 days after it was posted) as once this date has passed you lose your right to review.

Can I bring a friend or supporter to the exclusion meetings?

You can bring a friend or supporter who may speak for you if you do not want to do so yourself, or can just be there to give you support.

Can my child attend these meetings?

Schools should always allow your child to attend and to speak if he/she is old enough and able to do so. Students over the age of 18 have the right to represent themselves.

If the exclusion is upheld how do I find another school?

The local authority officer will discuss this with you and will identify a new school. You can express a preference for a particular school but a place there cannot be guaranteed. The local authority operates a "fair access" system of allocating school places to permanently excluded pupils.