For more information, contact the relevant team with the subject in the message title:
Parents and carers
Parents whose children are subject to these processes may find the following information useful.
Exclusion guidance
The Department for Education (DfE) has produced school suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance. It applies to all maintained, academies and pupil referral units.
For queries about exclusions, email cs.exclusionandaccessteam@derbyshire.gov.uk
Inclusion Support Advisory Service (ISAS)
Our Inclusion Support Advisory Service is made up of a range of specialist support teams which support and advise schools and settings on inclusion and the implementation of the 'graduated response'.
Inclusion Panel
Inclusion Panel is how Derbyshire schools can access additional funding to support the inclusion of children and young people with additional needs. The panel may also signpost schools to other services who could offer additional advice and support.
All referrals to the Inclusion Panel must be made by the school. The special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) usually completes the application form, but they must have the consent of the child or young person's parents or carers.
All Children Receiving Education (ACRE)
All Children Receiving Education (ACRE) collects and monitors data, and provides services for children who are out of school for whatever reason.
Alternative provision
There are many organisations and providers that offer alternative provision to children in Derbyshire to support a variety of ages and needs.
Alternative provision is:
- education arranged by local authorities for pupils who, because of exclusion, illness or other reasons, would not otherwise receive suitable education
- education arranged by schools for pupils on a fixed period exclusion, and pupils being directed by schools to off-site provision to improve their behaviour
The alternative provision directory is a list of providers in the region that schools may consider for their pupils.
We're not liable for any content from external providers.
Offsite direction and managed moves
The process for offsite direction and managed move notification changed from 1 September 2024.
The Department for Education (DfE) has produced school suspensions and permanent exclusions guidance. Paragraphs 36 to 47 relate to offsite directions, and paragraphs 48 to 52 to managed moves.
Part-time timetables
In very exceptional circumstances, there may be a need for a temporary part-time timetable to meet a pupil's individual needs to help them return to full time education. For example, where a medical condition prevents a pupil from attending full-time education and a part-time timetable is considered as part of a reintegration package.
A part-time timetable is not a long-term solution. It must have a time limit with a date when the pupil is expected to attend full-time, or receive alternative provision. This must be put in place with the agreement of parents, and for young people over the age of 14, should involve the young person.
In agreeing to a part-time timetable, a school has agreed to a pupil being absent from school for part of the week or day and must record it as an authorised absence.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS)
If your child is experiencing symptoms including low mood and thoughts of self-harm then you can refer to CAMHS - an NHS service that assesses and treats young people with emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties.
You can also access support and advice from Young Minds mental health charity for children and young people.
Derbyshire Information Advice and Support Service for SEND (DIASS)
DIASS provides information, advice and support about education to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, and their parents and carers. It ensures that they also have access to information and advice about a child or young person's health and social care in relation to education.
The information, advice and support service offered is free, confidential and impartial. It aims to support children, young people, and parents by working together with schools and services to achieve positive outcomes.
To access the service: