Appealing against an exclusion

Can I appeal against an exclusion?

There is no right of appeal against a fixed term exclusion. However, you can appeal against a permanent exclusion to an independent appeal panel.

If you don't agree with the permanent exclusion and you want to appeal you need to write a letter giving your reasons to Leanne Nealon, Committee Services, Customer and Support Services directorate, Salford Civic Centre, Chorley Road, Swinton, M27 2AD.

You will have 15 school days to lodge an appeal from the date of the governing body meeting. Once your appeal has been received, a date will be set, this must be done within 15 school days of receipt of your letter.

What happens at an appeal hearing?

An independent appeal panel is normally three members. None of these people will have any prior knowledge of your case. There are also a number of other people who attend the appeal with different roles: two members of the Customer and Support Services directorate who are there to provide advice to the panel, the headteacher, a member of the governing body of the school and possibly an officer from the local authority.

The appeal will be as informal as possible. Everyone will be given the opportunity to speak and ask questions. You can bring a representative or a friend along to the appeal.

You don't have to attend the appeal, although it is usually better if you do so you can put your reasons forward in person and answer any questions the panel may have. If you choose not to attend, the reasons you have stated in your written appeal letter will be considered, you can also arrange for any other written information to be discussed by the appeal.

You will be informed of the decision of the appeal panel in writing within two working days. If the appeal is not successful, your child will remain in their current education until (s)he is ready to return to a mainstream school. If your appeal is successful, your child will be re-instated into the school. There could be circumstances where this is not appropriate, if this happens, your child will be re-instated into another school.

Where can I get more information?

The Exclusion Guidance regarding both permanent and fixed term exclusions is published by the Department of Education (DfE). This is the document which headteachers, governors and the local authority use for guidance on pupil exclusions.

You may also wish to contact the Advisory Centre for Education (ACE) - an independent national advice centre for parents/carers. They offer information and support on education, including advice on exclusion from school. They can be contacted on 0207 704 9822.

For further information on exclusions please contact:

Admissions and Exclusions Team
Children's Services
Second Floor
Unity House
Salford Civic Centre
Chorley Road
Swinton
M27 5AW

Telephone: 0161 778 0412
Email: school.admissions@salford.gov.uk

This page was last updated on 1 May 2012