The Government has made some temporary changes to the procedures that must be followed if a child or young person is excluded from school in England during the coronavirus outbreak.

These changes apply to all maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units. They took effect on 1 June and will apply to any exclusions that happen until 24 September 2020.

Most of the usual arrangements and procedures will stay the same. The main changes are that meetings can now take place remotely, and that time limits for meetings have been extended. 

What do these changes mean?

When governing bodies or independent review panels (IRPs) have to meet to consider whether a child or young person should be excluded, they can now do so via telephone or video conference, if the meeting can’t take place in person within the usual timescales because of the coronavirus outbreak.

This can happen as long as all participants agree to it, all participants are able to hear and speak throughout the meeting, and the meeting is fair and transparent.

You don’t have to agree to a meeting being held by remote access if you don’t want to, but this may mean that the meeting is delayed. According to the law, the process can’t only be conducted entirely in writing.

Time limits for meetings have also been temporarily extended, if it isn’t possible to arrange a meeting within the usual timeframe because of the pandemic. However, the guidance states that meetings should be held as soon as possible, to minimise uncertainty for pupils and their families. You’ll also have longer to apply for an independent review of a decision to exclude a child.

We have produced a guide for parents to help prepare children for the return to school. This includes advice on what to do if a child’s school refuses to allow them to return.

What we’re doing

If you are worried about your child going back to school, or have questions about what’s happening, contact our Education Rights Service. They provide impartial and confidential information and support to families on school education rights and entitlements.

We’re also telling the Government about your experiences of lockdown so it knows what life is like for autistic people and their families. If you want to share your experiences, and any worries or concerns you have, email us at stories@nas.org.uk.