Commenting on the findings in the Who Is Losing Learning? The case for reducing exclusions across mainstream schools, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union,said;
“The rise in school exclusions and suspensions is certainly a cause for concern. Of particular urgency is the disproportionate levels of exclusion on certain groups of students, linked to race and class inequality in our society.
‘Schools and colleges will do all they can to ensure their pupils remain in the classroom and engaged with their education. However, as this report makes very clear to do this effectively there needs to be the funding for professional support systems to be in place and for the additional support from local authorities to be properly funded and available.
‘The cuts imposed by the previous Government mean that pastoral and SEND support in schools has been decimated and we have unprecedented waiting times for CAMHs and other specialist SEND services. There needs to be a real commitment to change this woeful situation. Addressing the soaring rates of child poverty is also imperative. No child can learn or engage in their education while hungry and worried.
‘The curriculum and assessment reviews also need to consider the effect of the current systems on student engagement and motivation. A shift to more inclusive approaches for students and staff is essential as a starting point”.