School suspensions reach record high as days of learning lost

This is according to new data released by the Department for Education, showing a deepening crisis in English schools following the pandemic.

The number of suspensions has risen by a third when compared to pre-pandemic levels with the number of suspensions involving girls rising by 59%.

Shortage of alternative education for excluded children putting pressure on school system 

A national shortage of alternative education places for suspended students is putting pressure on the system (PA) (Image: PA)

According to reports from Sky News, teaching leaders have warned that a national shortage of alternative forms of education for excluded pupils has put unprecedented pressure on the school system in England.

The Department for Education released figures showing that more than 3000 children were suspended a day in 2021/22.

An analysis of the data was carried out by Whos Losing Learning Coalition which found that suspensions were adding to the problem of lost learning.

Poverty was revealed as another reason for low attendance with three times as many children receiving free school meals being absent compared to those who do not receive them.

More than half of the suspensions came from children living in poverty.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: "We back head teachers to take the action necessary to promote good behaviour and maintain calm and safe school environments.

"We have issued updated guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions and are clear that early intervention should be put in place where children are at risk of being excluded and entering alternative provision.

"We have also formed SAFE taskforces in ten areas of the country to offer mentoring and other support to at-risk pupils in mainstream education before challenges escalate."