Strategic Alternatives to Exclusion from School

This is the revised and updated edition of an original study which showed that local authorities, working collaboratively with their schools and clusters, can dramatically reduce exclusions and make permanent exclusions unnecessary. Through research in three low-excluding local authorities and five-high excluding local authorities, it shows how this is done. The new chapters are written in response to current directives. The challenges and barriers are recognized but the way forward remains clear. The book fills the ground between school and national government, pointing to the responsibilities and powers that a supportive, challenging and conciliatory local authority has in respect of the education of all children, under whatever government administration. Carl Parsons sets out an agenda for action which is about enlisting full support from local authority counselors and officers, building a shared commitment with schools, broadening what schools are able to offer, developing managed moves as a conciliatory and non punitive response, generating more alternative provision and developing multiagency working, with greater involvement of the voluntary sector. This is a book for everyone involved in managing the education of behaviorally challenging children and young people. It is of particular relevance to those working at the level of strategy and operation in local authority Children’s Services departments and to managers in schools. Other services which receive school rejects will find the debates about appropriate provision helpful to their work.