People are being asked for their views on draft proposals being published by Dudley Council to reduce the number of exclusions in borough schools.
The draft Wider Inclusion Strategy lists 14 key proposals with the core goal of reducing the level of ‘exclusions’ and ‘off rolling’ – taking pupils off the school register – in schools.
It proposes more support for pupils facing exclusion to remain in mainstream education successfully, as well as being able to access high quality alternative provision if that is not possible. Pupils will receive better support for their special educational needs or disabilities under the plans, as well as help if problems at school are linked to a troubled home life.
Success for the strategy will be measured against progress, attendance and whether pupils move on to further education, employment or training after leaving school.
Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children and young people, said:
We know that if a child is excluded from school they are less likely to move on to further education, training or employment, and more likely to go down a negative life path.
We need work more with families and schools at an earlier point so that support is there for vulnerable children and young people.
We want to be in a place where pupil exclusion is only ever seen as a last resort – we want all of our children and young people to have the opportunities to succeed.
The main principles behind the strategy were shared at a school conference earlier this year and at an event in June.
Since then there have been preliminary discussions with headteachers, governors, parents, officers and other interested parties.
People can share their views, and read the document in full, at www.dudley.gov.uk/widerinclusion
