Decision details

The Chair welcomed Audrey Swann, Head of Education for Looked After Children and Vulnerable Groups, to the meeting.

The report provided an overview on the current situation around permanent exclusions in Lancashire.

It was reported that there was a rising trend in permanent exclusions nationally. In Lancashire the number of permanent exclusions in secondary schools had continued to grow across the county, while the number of permanent exclusions from primary schools across Lancashire reduced in the academic year 2016-17 by 35%. The most likely children and young people to be excluded were those with Special Needs, disadvantaged pupils, Children Looked After and Children in Need, the most vulnerable groups.

The Primary Advice and Support Service was launched in June 2016. The impact of this had been a reduction in primary exclusions by 30%. Regarding secondary schools, work had been carried out to gather views of alternative providers and main stream schools in each area on the current provision, identifying strengths and gaps in provision.

Members were informed that some children had gone through their statutory assessment and now had an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). It was highlighted that if a child was in danger of permanent exclusion, then the school would contact the SEND team. A meeting would be held to identify options to keep the child at the school.

Resolved: That the report presented be noted.