School disciplinary absences

Children in care are 4 times more likely to experience a school disciplinary absence when compared with children not in care. Disciplinary absences include suspensions, exclusions and cancellations of enrolment. These can only be used by a Department of Education school principal as a last resort for addressing serious behavioural issues.

When considering disciplinary actions, school principals are required to take into account the child’s individual circumstances such as behaviour history, disability, mental health and wellbeing, religious and cultural considerations, home environment and care arrangements.

Types of absences	Description
Suspension	A suspension can be short (1 – 10 days) or a long suspension (11 – 20 days). Grounds for suspension are: disobedience; misbehaviour; conduct that adversely affects, or is likely to adversely affect, other students or the good order and management of the school; the child’s attendance poses an unacceptable risk to the safety or wellbeing of other students or staff.
Suspension (charge related)	If the student is charged with a serious offence; or is charged with an offence other than a serious offence, and the school principal is satisfied that it would not be in the best interests of other students or staff for the student to attend school while the charge is pending.
Exclusion	Grounds are similar to those outlined above in ‘suspension’ and extend to students who have been convicted of an offence and the school principal is satisfied it would not be in the best interests of other students or staff for the student to attend school.
Cancellation of enrolment	The only ground for the cancellation of enrolment is refusal to participate in the educational program. Students must be older than compulsory school age.

When applying disciplinary action, the school principal is required to provide a decision notice to the student, their parent/carer or someone else on their behalf, outlining the reasons for the decision, whether/how it can be appealed.

A student, their parents/carers or Child Safety can make a submission to the Director-General, Department of Education for all types of school disciplinary absences other than a short suspension.

The school principal is also required to arrange for the student to continue his/her education during a period of suspension. It is important to advise Child Safety and your agency support worker as soon as possible, to enable the child’s safety and support network to discuss how this will best be achieved.