The office of the Children's Commissioner has expressed concerns that that the number of children being sent home from school unofficially in Wales is still not declining, a year after they published a report saying the practice needed to stop.
BBC Wales has learned that, one year on, the same number of children are being excluded by schools unofficially. There were 48 cases referred to the family charity SNAP Cymru last year, with 24 in the first half of this year. The real number isn't known as Councils often don't know when schools exclude a pupil unofficially.
The Deputy Children's Commissioner, Maria Battle told BBC Wales "in Wales we have some world class policies. But the gap between policies and implementation is too large. We need to address that so our policies affect the lives of people."
When a child is unofficially excluded from school they often do not receive the education
and the formal support, which is their right. Unofficial exclusions can also have other consequences for the children and their families and carers since childcare arrangements can be difficult especially if parents and carers work full time
Estyn, the education inspectors have also expressed concerns, saying the practice is unlawful, as it deprives children of an education. They highlighted the issue in their annual report last year.
Iwan Guy, Acting Director of NAHT Cymru Comments
In interviews on BBC Wales today (October 22nd.) both radio and television, Iwan Guy questioned the claims that there had been 48 cases of unofficial exclusions in Wales last year with 24 in the first half of this year
Obviously no record is kept of the alleged unofficial exclusions so the NAHT would like to see the evidence supporting the claims.
Iwan Guy said that the NAHT could not condone the alleged practice of unofficial exclusions. Clear guidance has been issued by both Welsh Assembly Government and local authorities for schools wishing to exclude pupils, whether it be fixed exclusion or permanent.
In response to a question from Rhun ab Iorweth on Good Morning Wales, Iwan Guy said that he would be happy to discuss this issue with the children's commissioner.
