What happens to pupils permanently excluded from special schools and pupil referral units in England?

Abstract

There is widespread consensus in the research and policy‐related literature over the last decade that young people who have been permanently excluded from school are at a far greater risk of a variety of negative outcomes than young people who have not had this experience. These negative outcomes include prolonged periods out of education and/or employment; poor mental and physical health; involvement in crime; and homelessness. This article presents evidence from a small‐scale qualitative study of destinations and outcomes post‐exclusion for a group of young people considered to be at particular risk of such negative outcomes: namely, those who have been permanently excluded from special schools or Pupil Referral Units (now known as short‐stay schools). The specific focus of this paper is on the 24 young people’s educational trajectories pre‐ and post‐exclusion; the reasons for their exclusion from school; and on what forms of alternative provision were available to them after their permanent exclusion.

Notes

1. The Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 stated that ‘pupil referral units’ in England were to be re‐named ‘short‐stay schools’ (see para. 249) (see http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2009/ukpga_20090022_en_1).

2. An internal research audit of relevant legislation and guidance in the area of children’s services conducted during the research revealed over 75 separate items of policy or guidance that were of direct relevance to the enquiry.

3. Permanent and fixed period exclusions from schools and exclusion appeals in England, 2004–2005.

4. DCSF. Permanent and fixed period exclusions from school in England 2006–2007, Amended. See Table 3.

5. Three young people began their education in specialist provision. There were no data available on the nature of the initial placement for five young people.