Prospect backs MPs’ call for new strategy for school exclusions

Education select committee report should be acted on by government, the union has said

Prospect union has welcomed a new report from the education select committee which warns that high levels of exclusions from schools are abandoning children to a poor level of education provision.

Prospect represents around 3,000 professionals in the education sector, including those working on school improvement with local authorities and other education providers.

The report, which was informed by written evidence from Prospect members, argued for a range of policies including a bill of rights and the creation of independent advocates for children facing exclusion.

In particular Prospect welcomed the recommendation of an increasing role for local authorities in monitoring school exclusions and alternative provision and ensuring that schools are acting in the best interests of children.

Prospect national secretary Steve Thomas said:

“This is an excellent report that shines a light on one of the most serious challenges facing our education system.

“Solving this problem will require a coordinated strategy, but fragmentation of the education landscape and recent cuts to experienced education professionals from school improvement teams working on reintegration and inclusion strategies can only damage this effort.

“It is now up to the Department for Education to take on board these recommendations, along with the Edward Timpson Exclusion Review, and implement the policies that will allow our members to more effectively support children and schools.”