Special needs pupils are far more likely to be expelled from school

An education expert at the University of Huddersfield has warned parents that “one exclusion is probably one too many”.

Dr Martyn Walker, Principal Research Fellow at the University’s School of Education and Professional Development, has been analysing data on the rising number of exclusions from primary and secondary schools.

In a blog post for the university he said: “Let’s not lose sight of the fact that exclusion is primarily a punitive measure.

“The rise in the number of children with special educational needs and disability who are being excluded is alarming. They are seven times more likely to be permanently excluded.”

He added: “If your children or grandchildren are of an age for moving schools, I strongly recommended that you should request, using Freedom of Information, how many fixed-term and permanent exclusions have taken place in the school, whatever its previous standing has been.

“One exclusion is probably one too many.”

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “The council is committed to making sure children get the best possible education in order to get the best start in life.

“Our exclusion rates are in line with the national average, and whilst this is higher than we would like, being excluded from one school does not mean a child is excluded from education.

“The council actively discourages schools from permanently excluding children who are on education, health and care plans. These are legal documents for children with defined needs.

“Most schools see permanent exclusion as a last resort, and we always challenge schools considering excluding a child where there has been no previously identified needs.

“We encourage these schools to work with agencies that can support the child, and to make every effort to keep them in school.

“Because we challenge schools to put in place support before excluding a child, there is a high likelihood that excluded children will have received some SEN support to address identified social, emotional and mental health difficulties before exclusion takes place – which is reflected in the figures.

“However this is still a very small number of all the children who are receiving SEN support, as in most instances the support is effective.

“When a child is permanently excluded we work with our pupil referral service and other specialist staff to make sure they can continue to receive an education whilst their needs are assessed and alternative school is found.”

Meanwhile, it’s not just children with special educational needs who are disproportionately affected by exclusions.

Children from the poorest families in Kirklees, who benefit from free school meals, also see particularly high rates of expulsion.

Secondary school kids on free school meals are nearly five times as likely to be permanently excluded and three times as likely to be excluded for a fixed period as other