Agenda item

This report provides an analysis of permanent exclusions and suspensions across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), with a focus on trends over time, comparisons with national and regional data, and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups.

Permanent exclusions in BCP have increased significantly in recent years, particularly in secondary and special schools. Pupils with special educational needs (SEND), those eligible for free school meals (FSM), and children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) are consistently overrepresented in exclusion data. While national guidance emphasises that exclusions must be lawful, reasonable, and proportionate, BCP’s figures indicate that these groups continue to face higher rates of exclusion than their peers.

Suspensions have also risen sharply, with BCP’s rates exceeding national, Southwest, and statistical neighbour averages across most phases. The number of pupils receiving one or more suspensions has nearly doubled since 2019/20, with the highest rates observed among pupils with EHCPs and those eligible for FSM.  

This report summarises the policy landscape and national challenges, sets out the council’s strategic intent and framework for action and provides benchmarking data for permanent exclusions by phase, SEND status, and FSM eligibility, followed by a focus on suspensions data across the same dimensions. The analysis aligns with the ambitions of BCP’s Children and Young People’s Partnership Plan, which sets out a vision for every child to lead a fulfilling and happy life. Reducing exclusions and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners remains a shared priority across the partnership and this is central to the work we have been doing to develop a BCP Belonging Strategy.

The Head of Inclusion, Places and Capital presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

This report provided an analysis of permanent exclusions and suspensions across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), with a focus on trends over time, comparisons with national and regional data, and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups.

Permanent exclusions in BCP had increased significantly in recent years, particularly in secondary and special schools. Pupils with special educational needs (SEND), those eligible for free school meals (FSM), and children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) were consistently overrepresented in exclusion data. While national guidance emphasised that exclusions must be lawful, reasonable, and proportionate, BCP’s figures indicated that these groups continued to face higher rates of exclusion than their peers.

Suspensions had also risen sharply, with BCP’s rates exceeding national, Southwest, and statistical neighbour averages across most phases. The number of pupils receiving one or more suspensions had nearly doubled since 2019/20, with the highest rates observed among pupils with EHCPs and those eligible for FSM.

This report summarised the policy landscape and national challenges, set out the council’s strategic intent and framework for action and provided benchmarking data for permanent exclusions by phase, SEND status, and FSM eligibility, followed by a focus on suspensions data across the same dimensions. The analysis aligned with the ambitions of BCP’s Children and Young People’s Partnership Plan, which set out a vision for every child to lead a fulfilling and happy life. Reducing exclusions and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners remained a shared priority across the partnership and this was central to the work we had been doing to develop a BCP Belonging Strategy.

The Committee discussed the report, including:

• In response to a query raised regarding the impact of current work on exclusion numbers, the Committee was advised that while progress was being made, improvements would take time, with some early signs seen in attendance.
• In response to a query raised regarding consistency of engagement with schools and SENDCOs, the Committee was advised that work was ongoing to ensure a consistent approach and that the SENDCO forum was supported by senior officers. The next stage would include developing a toolkit to strengthen SENDCO confidence.
• In response to a query raised regarding isolation practices, the Committee was advised that schools were required to monitor isolation internally under DfE guidance but were not obliged to report this to the local authority, although it may be reviewed during Ofsted inspections.
• In response to a query raised regarding the three-tier alternative provision model, the Committee was advised that this was being developed to ensure appropriate use of AP and avoid overreliance, with a focus on quality and nurture-based provision.
• The Committee was advised that while there had been an increase in exclusions in special schools, this related to a very small number of pupils within a small cohort.
• In response to a query raised regarding the role of academy trusts, the Committee was advised that termly meetings with trust Chief Executives provided opportunities to strengthen collaboration and improve consistency.
• The Committee noted the importance of building trust and improving relationships across an evolving education system to support inclusion and reduce exclusions.
• The Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People advised the Committee that consistent engagement with schools and SENDCOs was essential, alongside developing the three-tier alternative provision model to ensure appropriate use and avoid overreliance.

RESOLVED that the Committee agreed to make Cabinet aware that the Committee appreciates the detrimental impact of school exclusions, which were highlighted in the report, and recognises the work that is underway to address this.  The Committee agreed that through this work the council’s primary focus is improved outcomes for the children of BCP but that this work will also likely bring budgetary savings such as:

·       A reduction in exclusions and associated costs (e.g. transport, AP placements, tribunal processes)

·       Improved outcomes for vulnerable pupils, reducing future demand on social care, youth justice, and post-16 support service

·       A reduction in the need for unregistered and costly AP as more needs are met by schools

Voting: Nem. Con.