Exclusions can lead to several ramifications for both pupils and schools. What alternatives or solutions can be offered to help support them?
Schools have recently adopted a zero-stance policy on certain behaviours resulting in students becoming isolated from their peers. Some of the main reasons why students become excluded include:
– Violence or aggressive behaviour
– Bullying
– Verbal abuse
– Physical abuse
– Drugs
– Criminal activity
– Defiance and disobedience
“Permanent exclusions in England rose from 5,082 in 2010/11 to 7,894 in 2018/19, while even in 2019/20, during Covid and lockdown, schools still managed to exclude 5,057 children.”
Additionally, despite a decrease in the number of students in PRUs, it is still a prevalent issue.
“The number of pupils in pupil referral units (PRUs) has decreased by 17% to 12,800. This includes pupils whose sole or main registration is in a PRU.”
Isolating students can lead to misbehaving and even more disruption. Permanent exclusion for vulnerable students can significantly hamper their chances of future prospects.
Putting intervention strategies in place for students can help minimise the chances of exclusion. By altering students’ perception in regards to their learning, it gives them a good chance for their enthusiasm to be reignited as they feel valued.
It has to be noted that exclusions are necessary in certain circumstances, so perhaps a suitable alternative provision can be put in place. This has also been highlighted in the recent SEND review addressing exclusions.
“high-quality alternative provision will deploy evidence-led strategies to re-engage them in education, improving their attendance and behaviour. Over time, this new system will reduce the number of preventable exclusions and expensive long-term placements, as needs will be identified and supported early.”
The review is necessary for schools as it can help formulate new strategies for supporting their students who are at risk of exclusion.
Exclusions are never easy options
A recent report by Anne Longfield’s Commission illustrated how primary school exclusions should now be eradicated. This is agreeable as it doesn’t support student development or interaction opening them up to early exploitation.
Students who become excluded can be easily exploited by gangs and criminal activity which can lead to imprisonment or even death.
“Pupils excluded from school at 12 are four times as likely as other children to be jailed as adults.”
Also:
“A separate Ofsted report also found children excluded from school are twice as likely to carry a blade.”
Early intervention needs to be focused upon so that any behaviour that needs to be addressed within a student can be rectified before any irreparable circumstances are created.
In addition, talking to students with a respectful tone and even adopting some mannerisms or appropriate colloquial terms will go a long way toward building a sustainable rapport between teacher and student.
Children and young people are early in their cognitive development and exclusion could be harmful to their progression.
“Children and young people who were excluded from school were more likely to have behavioural difficulties, difficulties with peers and attention difficulties.”
Moreover, not only do exclusions affect the student, but they affect the school as a whole in terms of budget and rankings.
During an unprecedented time with the economy still recovering from the pandemic, it is important that measures are put in place and multiple options are explored for students at risk of exclusion.
Suitable alternative provisions can be implemented within an establishment which can reduce teacher workload, cater to school budgets and also help positively reintegrate students back into mainstream education.
If students at risk of exclusion feel wanted they could be receptive to their learning.
Why EDClass should be your alternative provision
EDClass has integrated behaviour repair lessons that are proven to help positively reintegrate students back into mainstream education.
The platform also offers a safe and secure model that can help overcome barriers to learning also providing early intervention strategies.
EDClass offers a solution to several types of students and can be extremely beneficial for students at risk of exclusion.
Students learn at their own pace with support from UK-qualified teachers constantly monitoring their wellbeing and learning. Students are also safeguarded remotely which is a priority for EDClass.
If you would like some more information then please call the team on 01909 568 338, send an email to mail@edclass.com or book a free online demonstration here.
