Increase in permanent pupil expulsions

The number of permanent exclusions from Lancashire's schools increased last year, according to new figures.
There were 346 exclusions across primary, secondary and special schools in 2016/17There were 346 exclusions across primary, secondary and special schools in 2016/17
There were 346 exclusions across primary, secondary and special schools in 2016/17

A report presented to county hall’s education committee revealed 346 exclusions across primary, secondary and special schools in 2016/17 – up from 305 the previous year.

However, councillors were told the number within primary schools saw a 35% drop with a new initiative - the Primary Advice and Support Service - launched in 2016, a contributory factor.

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And a project launched in West Lancashire saw no exclusions in the district last year. It could now be rolled out to more areas across the authority.

The report said pressure placed on children by changes to assessment measures had an impact on the rising figures.

It also said pressure on funding was “impacting on a school’s capability to fund support staff, alternative provision and additional resources”.

County Coun. Susie Charles, Cabinet member for children and schools, said: “Decisions to exclude pupils are made by individual headteachers and only taken as a last resort.”