What’s behind the surge in suspensions?

This summary is based on an insightful article by Jack Dyson for Schools Week, which we highly recommend for a more in-depth exploration of the topic. The article delves into the record rise in school suspensions and exclusions across England, examining the factors driving these trends and proposing actionable solutions. From the challenges of post-Covid readjustments and increasing poverty to the need for trauma-informed strategies and early intervention, this piece highlights the urgent need for systemic and community-driven approaches to address the issue effectively.

Key Points

Suspension Rates

School suspensions in England increased by 40% in autumn 2023, reaching 4.13 suspensions per 100 pupils. This rate is nearly double the pre-pandemic level. Secondary schools accounted for 87% of suspensions, with the highest rates in the North East and Yorkshire and the Humber.

Exclusion Rates

Permanent exclusion rates rose by 25%, from 0.04 to 0.05 per 100 pupils.

Most Affected Schools

Analysis shows that 6% of schools had suspension rates exceeding 50 per 100 pupils in 2022-2023, a significant increase from 2% pre-Covid. The majority of high-suspending schools were academies, though this is partly due to academies comprising 80% of secondary schools.

Factors Contributing to the Rise

1. Post-Covid Challenges: Many pupils struggled to readjust to school routines after the pandemic.
2. Poverty: Increasing child poverty rates correlate with higher exclusion risks.
3. Special Educational Needs: Pupils with severe special educational needs face higher exclusion rates.
4. Behaviour Issues: Teachers report more lesson time lost to misbehaviour.

Potential Solutions

Early Intervention: Identifying at-risk pupils early and providing support.

Data Improvement: Developing more comprehensive data on exclusions, including managed moves and internal isolations.

Community Engagement: Rebuilding relationships between schools and their communities.

Specialised Support Teams: Investing in non-teaching behaviour specialists to support teachers.

Trauma-Informed Approaches: Implementing behaviour management strategies that consider pupils’ circumstances and experiences.

Internal Alternative Provision: Creating on-site support for pupils at risk of exclusion.

Successful Strategies

Some schools have significantly reduced suspensions by:

• Implementing restorative justice approaches
• Creating small, mixed-year group sessions for building relationships
• Increasing parent engagement through regular meetings
• Establishing on-site alternative provision

These strategies aim to create more inclusive environments and address underlying issues contributing to behavioural problems.

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Sources:
Suspensions: What’s behind record rise and how to solve it?
Suspensions up 40% as exclusions rise by a quarter
Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England, Autumn term 2023/24 – Explore education statistics – GOV.UK
School Exclusions Soar: A 40% Rise in Suspensions Last Autumn | DCPro Alternative Provision Attendance