Exclusions can be damaging to a school’s budget and reputation so it needs to be used as a last resort. This highlights the role alternative provision can play in reducing exclusions and keeping children safe and in education.
Students can be excluded for numerous reasons, but primarily due to persistent disruptions or poor behaviour when in education. According to recent government statistics:
“There were 5,057 Permanent exclusions in 2019/20 with Persistent disruptive behaviour continues to be the most common reason for permanent exclusions and suspensions (both 34%).”
Schools seek exclusions as a final option due to the heavy impacts that can be imposed on them. A school’s reputation will be affected which can alter their public image resulting in fewer parents wanting to send their children to their respective establishments.
In addition to this, not only does the school as a whole become affected, but it can seriously affect the individual who is excluded. Falling behind their peers and an increase in mental health issues are serious matters that students face when they are excluded. Alternative provision can offer positive results for students. Analysis found:
“17 per cent of pupils who appeared to have left their school roll as a result of a managed move went on to achieve at least a grade 4 in both GCSE English and maths. This is well below the national average of 64 per cent, but higher than the achievement rate for permanently excluded pupils, which is 6 per cent.”
Despite the statistics not meeting national averages, it significantly outweighs those students who are excluded highlighting the value of alternative provision.
The economic impacts of exclusions
Schools, similarly to any business, want to save as much money as they can and have to budget correctly so their academic year can be as smooth as possible. This demonstrates why excluding a child has devastating impacts on a school, the taxpayer and the government. According to statistics:
“Excluding a child from school can cost the taxpayer around £370,000 in the long term.”
“Exclusions also cost the government £2.1 billion each year.”
When used properly, alternative provision can help save money, raise attendance and safely monitor students’ wellbeing and ensure they are learning in a safe environment.
When alternative provision is implemented properly, students can benefit from engaging with content and they can learn at their own pace.
Moreover, alternative provision can help save schools excessive planning, preparation and marking of assessments for teachers that are having to work overtime and worry about their students who may be at risk of exclusion.
Consequences of exclusions
Exclusions can lead to multiple consequences and this further highlights the value of alternative provision and keeping children safe and in education. Children who are excluded could even turn to crime and become exploited through gangs and county lines.
“Excluded children are more likely to be involved in crime, to be exploited and to face long-term unemployment.”
“Over the past eleven years, serious youth violence had a total economic and social cost of £11 billion.”
Children who are excluded can easily succumb to pressures and be exposed to external factors. Alternative provision can reduce money spent and keep children safely monitored during learning hours.
It is imperative that children are safe and continue their education and gain important qualifications that will allow them to go on to a better life.
Furthermore, the impacts exclusions have on children’s mental health & wellbeing is clear. According to The Guardian:
“Excluding children from school may lead to long-term psychiatric problems and psychological distress, a major new study has shown.”
Ensuring children’s mental health and wellbeing is essential. Keeping them within education through alternative provision will not only allow their mental health to stabilise, but it can improve their attendance and attainment levels and, ultimately, maintain a school’s reputation and financial situation.
EDClass can help reduce exclusions
EDClass can help schools reduce exclusions as students using the platform will be able to access a variety of content that can keep them engaged when they may be struggling in mainstream school.
Students using EDClass are monitored through sophisticated safeguarding measures including safety alerts that can inform schools instantly if there is ever an issue.
EDClass is proven to impact behaviour positively and reduce exclusions through one-to-one support and an all-inclusive learning environment allowing learners to develop at their own pace.
If you would like some more information on how EDClass can assist then call 01909 568 338, send an email to mail@edclass.com or book a demo here.
