Need-to-know: DfE updates suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance

The DfE has updated the suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance for September 2023.

The 2022 guidance is still in effect, so you don’t need to do anything right now.

Read our headline summary of what's changing below. More in-depth summaries and resources will be available in the coming weeks to help you prepare for the changes.

Remote access to governing board meetings and independent review panels (IRPs)

Face-to-face meetings remain the default, but meetings can be accessed remotely:

• At the request of parents/carers, or the pupil (if they’re aged 18 or above); or
• In the case of extraordinary, or unforeseen circumstances

Parents/carers and pupils who are 18 or above, must be informed by the headteacher of their right to request a remote meeting.

Annex A of the new guidance sets out key principles to consider when running remote meetings.

Tightened rules around cancelling suspensions/exclusions

Headteachers can now cancel suspensions/exclusions