Exclusion from School: What can help prevent it?

Abstract

This paper reports on an evaluation undertaken in 1998-1999, funded by the Department for Education and Employment, of pilot projects designed to reduce exclusion from school. The three types of project were: Multi-disciplinary Behaviour Support Teams [MDBSTs]; secondment of mainstream teachers to Pupil Referral Units; and In-school Centres [ISCs] for pupils at risk of exclusion. The evaluation included: analysis of exclusions figures; questionnaires to all project leaders requesting implementation details; telephone calls to 18 projects reporting different success levels; visits to seven projects to interview teachers, head teachers, special educational needs co-ordinators, pupils and parents. The evidence suggested that ISCs and MDBSTs could be equally successful in reducing exclusions. It also indicated that many successful practices were common to projects, regardless of type.