The Discipline Committee
The Discipline Committee is made up of at least 3 governors who consider cases of suspension and permanent exclusion. The headteacher, together with other school staff will attend the meeting of the Committee to present the case for suspension or permanent exclusion. A representative of the local authority may attend to offer procedural advice and will always attend in the case of a permanent exclusion from a maintained school and by invitation only at an academy. As a parent, you can ask a friend or advocate to accompany you.
If the Discipline Committee does not uphold the headteacher’s decision, it will direct the headteacher to reinstate the child. The Committee has no power to direct reinstatement if the suspension is for 5 days or less, or the suspension has already been served. It can, however, place a copy of its findings on the child’s school record. If the Discipline Committee does uphold the headteacher’s decision you will be advised of this in writing.
A suspended or permanently excluded child can usually attend the Discipline Committee, subject to his / her age and understanding, to give their own explanation of what happened.
If you are the parent of a child who has been or is at risk of suspension/ permanent exclusion, you can obtain help and advice from an Inclusion Officer (Central Bedfordshire Access and Inclusion Service) by calling 0300 300 6924 or 0300 300 6531.