Written question WQ96998
- Asked by
- Russell GeorgeIndependent
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Education
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 13 days
Question
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to ensure that local education authorities only use pupil exclusion as a last resort?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Education
Our Guidance Exclusion from schools and pupil referral units (PRU) is clear that exclusion from school should be used as a last resort, although there are some circumstances where learners could be excluded for a one-off offence.
Our guidance states that an appropriate investigation must be carried out when a school wishes to exclude a pupil and head teachers should consider all the evidence available. Any exclusion is considered based on evidence.
I have brought together a range of stakeholders to discuss policies regarding exclusions and detentions. The group will consider the current guidance, research best practices and preventative strategies to ensure our policies continue to support schools and learners appropriately.