Inclusion Session 1: The exclusion process

Inclusion Session 1: The exclusion process – lawful and unlawful exclusions and avoiding disability discrimination

Who is this module for?

The module is aimed at any member of staff working in a leadership position, alongside pupils aged 5-16 in mainstream and specialist schools.  

However, the module could also be delivered alongside Session 2 to any member of teaching staff e.g. Session 1 and 2 could be combined to deliver a full day training to a whole school during inset day.

Description

In Session 1, we look at examples of behaviour incidents and how a school may react to these, leading to a decision to exclude.  

We look at the exclusion process and what is considered as lawful and what is unlawful, not only in terms of exclusion legislation, but also with regard to equality law. We also look at the impact of exclusion on autistic pupils and their families. Much of what is presented across the two AET Autism and Inclusion Modules, is based on a research study conducted by the University of Birmingham’s Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER). 

Module aims

The aim of this module is to enable you:

• To extend your understanding of the exclusion process, including the ‘grey’ areas.  
• To develop your skills in identifying how autism might affect pupils' behaviour.  
• To increase your knowledge around the rights of autistic pupils and the duties of schools under the Equality Act 2010.  
• To help you recognise the impact of exclusion on families, seeing the exclusion experience through the eyes of the autistic pupil.  
• To develop your understanding of how to accommodate an autistic pupil’s needs, to avoid exclusion.  

Learning objectives

After completing this module you will be able to:

• Understand a headteacher’s power to suspend or permanently exclude an autistic pupil and other elements of the exclusion process as set out in statutory guidance. 
• Explain the relevance of equality legislation on exclusion.  
• Distinguish between lawful and unlawful exclusions.  
• Support autistic pupils by understanding and meeting their needs and offering alternatives to exclusion.