New school guidance on exclusions aims to ‘change the narrative’

14 November 2025

New guidance for schools to help reduce pupil suspensions and exclusions has been introduced encouraging a focus on ‘inclusivity and early intervention’.

In response to concerns, nationally and locally, around high rates of exclusions and suspensions, North Northamptonshire Council has launched a comprehensive new guidance document seeking to “change the narrative” in the way schools and educational settings tackle the issue, and ensure exclusions are only ever a ‘last resort’.

While the number of permanent exclusions has decreased slightly in the past year, the overall trend over five years remains upward – emphasising the urgent need for change. In 2021/22 there were 66 permanent exclusions, in 2022/23 there were 83, in 2023/24 there were 154, and in 2024/25 there were 141.

The guidance reframes exclusion as a last resort and introduces a graduated response model that prioritises belonging, connection, and early intervention.

The key features of the guidance are:

• Relational practice at the core: Emphasising the importance of relationships, connection, and emotional safety in preventing exclusion
• Universal and targeted support: Providing clear strategies for whole-school approaches as well as targeted interventions for pupils at risk
• Graduated response framework: Offering step-by-step guidance to help settings make informed decisions, with a focus on prevention, support, and accountability
• Decision-making support: Equipping leaders with tools to assess situations fairly and consistently, ensuring exclusions are lawful, proportionate, and necessary

Exclusion can have long-term impacts on a child’s education, wellbeing, and future opportunities. By shifting the focus to building and maintaining strong, respectful relationships, the council aims to create environments where all children feel safe, valued, and supported – reducing the need for exclusion and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.

This is a significant issue at schools across the country, which unfortunately is reflected locally. It is imperative that we turn this tide to ensure that we are focusing our efforts on early help and earlier identification of risk, especially when offering support to our most vulnerable young people. This new guidance is about changing the narrative – from exclusion as a disciplinary tool to inclusion as a shared responsibility. We want every child in North Northamptonshire to feel they belong, and every setting to feel equipped to make that happen.Cllr Elizabeth Wright, Executive Member for Children’s Families and Education, at North Northamptonshire Council

Some of the approaches suggested to help reduce suspensions and exclusions include one-to-one counselling or mentoring with pupils at risk of exclusion, therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, as well as restorative practices where a safe, inclusive space for all parties to share their perspectives, feelings, and experiences is encouraged to help resolve conflicts. There is also an emphasis on a ‘trauma-informed’ approach whereby the impact of trauma on a person’s development and behaviour is considered, to create environments of safety, trust, and connection.

Schools and educational settings are being encouraged to engage with the guidance, reflect on current practice, and use the tools provided to strengthen their approach to inclusion and behaviour. Training and support will be available to help embed the principles across schools and services.

This new guidance aims to build on the council’s ongoing work with schools to boost pupil attendance and reduce exclusions. Whilst early intervention is the responsibility of educational facilities, the council has recently introduced a panel which schools and academies can refer to for support with preventing exclusions. The council also has outreach providers who offer advice to schools prior to an exclusion, and can also challenge where it is believed an exclusion was not the best course of action in the circumstances, which may result in an exclusion being overturned or rescinded. Pupils, who may be at risk of exclusion, are also discussed during termly Targeted Support Meetings with schools with support provided.  

Find out more about support around exclusions and suspensions on the council’s website.