§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what guidelines she issues in respect of(a) expulsions from schools, (b) the need to take into account mitigating circumstances and (c) the need to provide counselling to disturbed children where appropriate; and if she will make a statement. [5435]
§ Mr. ForthGuidance was issued by the Department in May 1994 to heads, governing bodies and local education authorities on the proper use of exclusion. This sets out what factors should be taken into account when considering exclusion. Further guidance on exclusions will need to be issued in due course, in the light of legislation currently before Parliament.
Guidance was also issued in May 1994 jointly with the Department of Health to LEAs and schools on good practice in the education of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. This reflected the variety of programmes and approaches which may help such children. Counselling may be a valuable approach in some cases.