City school exclusions are on the rise

THE number of exclusions from schools in Coventry have risen in the past three years.

New figures show there were 81 permanent school exclusions in the city last year, including 52 in secondary schools and 29 in primary schools.

Of the most serious cases, one primary school child was excluded for ‘threatening behaviour against a pupil’ and ‘carrying an offensive weapon.’

Two secondary school students were excluded for ‘sexual misconduct,’ six due to ‘alcohol and drug related’ issues, and six for a physical assault against a pupil.

Exclusions have risen year-on-year in the city since 2015/16.

In 2015/16 there were 18 primary school exclusions, rising to 23 in 2016/15 and 29 last year.

In secondary schools, there were 27 exclusions in 2015/16, 42 in 2016/17 and 52 last year.

The most common reason for exclusion in primary schools in the last three years was ‘persistent disruptive behaviour’ (25) followed by ‘physical assault against an adult’ (13).

In secondary schools, the most common reason was ‘persistent disruptive behaviour’ (43), ‘other’ (21), ‘physical assault against a pupil’ (19), and ‘drug and alcohol related’ (16).

Figures have been collated in a report to the Education and Children’s Services Scrutiny Board, which will be discussed on Thursday, February 28. Sarah Mills, head of education entitlement, states in her report that “the vast majority” of excluded primary pupils are offered an alternative school.

“Statutory guidance is clear that exclusion should be a last resort and that early intervention should be used to address the underlying causes of disruptive behaviour,” she added. “Coventry schools invest heavily in social, emotional and behaviour support. Consequently, the level of permanent exclusions in the city, whilst rising, remains relatively low.”

Secondary schools were introduced to the Coventry Supported Transfer Protocol in 2017 to help reduce the number of exclusions and return students to new schools.

In 2018/19 there have been 47 supported transfers, but only five have been successful, with a further 21 ‘ongoing’ supported transfers, and 22 unsuccessful. Those who are unsuccessful “are engaged in alternative activities” such as Positive Youth intervention or the Coventry Extended Learning Centre.