Primary school exclusions rise

The statistics show the number of children permanently excluded from primary schools in England rose by 19 per cent last year. In 2000-01 there were approximately 1,460 permanent exclusions from primary schools, up 19 per cent on the 1,226 permanent exclusions in the previous year. Overall, in primary, secondary and special schools, more than eight in ten (83 per cent) of permanent exclusions were boys.

Teachers' unions expressed concern at the rise in permanent exclusions in primary schools. NASUWT general secretary Eamonn O'Kane, said the figures do 'not bode well for the future', while NUT general secretary Doug McAvoy said the increase was 'simply an indicator of the problems schools face from a minority of children whose behaviour is totally unacceptable'.

However, the National Autistic Society (NAS) pointed out an element of 'disability discrimination' in the rise in exclusions. The charity said that excluding children who have autism was unnecessary, as challenging and disruptive behaviour caused by the condition can be managed if teachers are properly trained and supported.

Judith Barnard, NAS director of policy and public affairs, said, 'We know that children with autism are already 20 times more likely to be excluded than other children. When the special needs code is in place from this September, parents will be able to legally challenge these exclusions. Schools and local authorities will no longer be able to use exclusion as a means of ducking their responsibilities towards children with autism and other disabled children.'

An NASreport this month found that two-thirds of teachers in England and Wales said they believed there are more primary school children with autism spectrum disorders now than five years ago (News, 23 May).