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”.
