§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills by what means parents of children with mental health problems excluded from school, are able to influence the level and type of education undertaken by local education authorities. [85640]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisWhenever a child is excluded from school the parent has the right to make representations to the governing body; and if the exclusion is a permanent exclusion the parent may also appeal beyond the governing body to the appeal panel. Governing bodies and independent appeal panels must consider the parent's representations and all relevant factors relating to the child's exclusion.
Where a child has been excluded, the LEA should involve the parents at an early stage in discussions about alternative school places, and keep parents in touch with progress. An individual re-integration plan must be drawn up taking into account the context and culture of the pupil, and should be discussed with the parents.
Local education authorities (LEAs) have a duty to provide suitable education for those children who cannot attend school because of their medical needs, 324W including children with defined mental health problems. In such cases parents should be full collaborative partners in the education process.