The figures were obtained by the Conservatives in response to a parliamentary question by shadow schools spokesman Michael Gove.
They show the number of very young children who have been suspended and the reasons, which include incidents such as assaulting other pupils and adults, damage, persistent disruptive behaviour, theft and sexual misconduct.
There were 4,150 suspensions of children under five in 2006-2007. Among three-year-olds, 260 were suspended for physical assault against adults or pupils and 40 were suspended for verbal abuse and threatening behaviour.
Professor Donald Christie from the Department of Childhood and Primary Studies at the University of Strathclyde said the findings showed the need for higher adult:child ratios and smaller class sizes.
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