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Clerking

How to: review suspensions and exclusions

E-learning

04/04/2021

At a glance

Sitting on or clerking a permanent exclusion panel can be a daunting prospect given the high stakes for the pupil and the complexity of the law and regulation.This module aims to give governors, trustees, and governance professionals the ability to explore how a three-step approach will give the panel the confidence to use the evidence to reach a sound decision.

You will cover:

what an effective review panel looks like

the regulatory frameworks

the process and timelines for panels

what is expected of you and others

how to prepare for an effective panel and the steps to be taken afterwards

the basis on which a decision should be made

Study time

45 minutes

Certificate upon completion

Module description

Updated This module has been updated in line with the latest statutory guidance on 07/09/23.

Sitting on or clerking a permanent exclusion panel can be a daunting prospect given the high stakes for the pupil and the complexity of the law and regulation. Being required to attend a panel can be equally daunting for senior executive leaders, pupils and parents.

Using a step-by-step walk-through and a case study of the headteacher’s decision to permanently exclude a pupil, this module demonstrates comprehensively how panel members, panel chairs and clerks can fulfill their roles effectively at each stage. It also provides useful examples of questions to ask and templates to use.

It summarises the law, guidance and policies all will need to follow and explore how a three-step approach will give the panel the confidence to use the evidence to reach a sound decision.

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“Just another good course full of useful information.”

User review
“I have previously undertaken Exclusions Training face to face with my Local Authority. This program was much better and much clearer. I feel much more confident now than I did before!”

User review
"Very clear concise and easy to follow. Pages are set up to print well..”

User review

Who developed this programme?

Paul Aber

Head of Training Development

Paul leads and manages NGA’s face-to-face training, e-learning and development programmes. This includes recruiting, training and managing NGA’s team of consultants and trainers. Paul has many years’ experience of governance, including in maintained schools and academy trusts.

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Michael Barton

Trust Governance Specialist and South West Regional Officer

Michael specialises in trust governance, co-ordinating NGA's work with multi-academy trusts and producing tailored resources. He also leads NGA's work in the West Midlands, working closely with the region's trusts and local authorities.

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Claire Mitchell

NGA Consultant

Claire is an NGA consultant, delivers sessions for NGA Training, and facilitates on the NGA Leading Governance development programmes for chairs and clerks. Claire is passionate about supporting trustees and governors in their volunteer roles, and has a wealth of experience working in academy and maintained school settings. Claire has over a decade of experience within education and skills and has held a number of senior leadership roles within education, including managing ESFA funded learning provision in excess of £10 million for 150+ education and skills providers. Claire also has experience as a designated safeguarding lead.

Erica Wilson

NGA Consultant

Erica is an NGA consultant, delivering training and facilitating the Leading Governance development programme for clerks. Erica trained as a local authority clerk and has been an independent clerk since 2013 and has worked with local authorities and academy trusts, developing and delivering training to clerks. She has extensive experience of clerking panels, disciplinary investigations and has served as a school governor herself.