Exclusion

Aberdeenshire schools promote positive relationships, learning and behaviour within a whole school ethos of prevention, early intervention and support.  All schools have policies and practices in place to promote and support positive behaviour.

School policies will have been developed in consultation with all members of the school community and will be regularly reviewed. Effective arrangements for learning and teaching and for a flexible, pupil-centred curriculum go hand in hand with an ethos of nurture, care and respect. However, even in the most nurturing and respectful school environment, there may be instances where behaviours displayed by children and young people, or actions taken by them are unacceptable.

The key to preventing exclusions is to implement universal practices that prevent problems arising in the first place and to intervene early when they do arise. A planned and staged approach should be taken to support pupils. A range of measures will be taken in the classroom or in the wider school to support children and young people in these circumstances. In most cases these approaches are sufficient to resolve the situation. Sometimes the situation is more complex and will require partnership working.

Exclusion is the most serious consequence that can be imposed on a pupil and must be a last resort. Where exclusion is used, it should be a proportionate response where there is no appropriate alternative. When considered necessary, it must be for as short a period as possible with the aim of improving outcomes for the child or young person and their wellbeing should be the key consideration. The time during and after the exclusion period should be used constructively to resolve the situation and ensure positive and appropriate support is in place for all.

When a pupil displays behaviour, whereby attendance at the school would be likely to be seriously detrimental to order and discipline in the school or the educational wellbeing of the pupils there the Promoting-Inclusion-and-Reducing-Exclusions-in-Educational-Establishments-Guidance-2022-update-March-24.docx may apply.