Agenda item

To consider and comment on an overview of current action to address school exclusions and, in particular, the outcome of the detailed analysis of fixed term exclusions.

Eveleen Riordan, Assistant Director for Schools and Learning, reported that a review of exclusions had been undertaken by the Council’s Corporate Delivery Unit.  This had begun in the autumn and the final report of this was due shortly.  Findings had so far shown that the rate of exclusions in Haringey was increasing and was above that of neighbouring boroughs.  Disproportionate numbers of children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and from Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities were being excluded.  The Council had a statutory duty to ensure that children and young people who had been excluded received an education.   A review of alternative provision would take place once the review on exclusions had been completed.

The Panel noted that the number of fixed term exclusions was now going down.  However, it took time for relevant data to filter through.  Figures for permanent exclusions form secondary schools were as follows:

·         2014/15; 36

·         2015/16; 19

·         2016/17; 16

·         2017/18 (1 term only); 28

The figures for 2017/18 were of some concern, particularly as they only covered the Autumn Term of 2017. 

In answer to a question, Ms Riordon stated that exclusions were not concentrated on any specific schools and there was no clear pattern.  The Panel noted that primary schools were in a better position to support pupils as they were smaller in size. Some children could find it difficult to adjust to secondary school after moving up from primary school.  Efforts were being made to encourage secondary schools to work closely with the Council to address these issues.

In answer to a question regarding alternative provision, Ms Riordan reported that there was a range of provision.  The upcoming review would look at whether it was meeting the needs of children and young people in the borough.  In answer to another question, she stated that exclusions were for a wide range of issues including bringing weapons into school, drugs and persistent bad behaviour.  It was generally used as a very last resort.  Some pupils were placed in alternative provision as a short term temporary measure.  There was an in year fair access panel that allocated pupils who were being re-integrated into mainstream schools.  Each school was expected to take a proportion of these.  

She reported that the review on exclusions had looked at children with SEND and whether exclusions were due to unmet need or behavioural issues.  On a national basis, children with SEND were six times more likely to be excluded but the level for Haringey was slightly below this.  The Cabinet Member for Children and Families commented that all excluded children had some sort of need that required meeting.  Schools needed appropriate challenge regarding how well they were managing the process.  It was not being suggested that schools were using exclusions inappropriately.  Schools already tried to avoid exclusions and consideration was being given to what additional support they might need.  Headteachers needed to ensure that the school community was safe and exclusions were sometimes necessary as a last resort to ensure this.

Ms Davin commented that a disproportionate number of children who were excluded appeared to live in housing provision that was insecure.  Ms Riordan agreed to look further into this issue. 

AGREED:

That a further report on exclusions be made to the Panel when the final report of the review of exclusions has been completed.