Exclusion Policy

Exclusion at Dolphin is dealt with under 5.4 to 5.5 of the standard terms and conditions for parents. This policy is applicable to all children at Dolphin including those in the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Exclusion, (whether temporary or permanent) is seen as a last resort after other strategies have failed. (See Rewards and Sanctions). Permanent exclusion would be used in only the most severe circumstances.

In addition and as well as the points raised in the contract, the following behaviour might merit exclusion (either temporary or permanent).

Bullying, theft, physical assault, threatening behaviour, fighting, sexual harassment, racist abuse, sexual misconduct, damage to property, persistent disruptive behaviour, parental behaviour, drug or alcohol abuse, behaviour that is likely to bring the school into disrepute.

The behaviour that is referred to above includes behaviour in the school and its grounds, in the vicinity of the school and on any school trips or visits.

When considering a case that may lead to an exclusion, the Head will:

a) ensure that a thorough investigation has been carried out;

b) consider all the evidence available to the school with reference to the school’s behaviour and equal opportunities policies, and, where applicable, the Race Relations Act 1976 as amended and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as amended;

c) allow and encourage the pupil to give their version of events;

d) check whether the incident may have been provoked, for example by bullying, or by racial or sexual harassment;

e) if necessary, consult others, but not anyone who may later have a role in reviewing the head’s decision,

f) keep a written record of the actions taken(and copies of written records made by members of staff), including any interview with the pupil concerned. Witness statements must be dated and should be signed, wherever possible.

g) Notify the parents, ideally by telephone and then by a letter which gives reasons for exclusion and its length (if temporary), and the parents’ and pupil’s right to appeal.

h) Appeals in the first instance should be addressed to the Chair of the LLP, Dolphin School LLP, Hurst, Berks RG10 0FR