Off-rolling

The most common form is a school suggesting you home educate your child, with a hint that the alternative is permanent exclusion Permanent exclusion When a headteacher decides a child cannot return to the school at all. Strict legal steps apply, and you have the right to challenge the decision. Read the full definition of Permanent exclusion . Once you agree, the school no longer counts your child in its results or its duties, and the support stops.

You never have to accept this. Home education is only ever your free choice, and a school cannot pressure you into it. If it happens, ask for the suggestion in writing, keep your own notes of the conversation, and contact your local SENDIASS SENDIASS A free advice service for parents in every council area in England. Its advisers are on no one's side, and they help you work out what to do next. Read the full definition of SENDIASS service or the local authority Local authority Your local council. In England, Wales and Scotland, this is the body you ask to assess what extra help your child needs. Read the full definition of Local authority .

Department for Education exclusions guidance treats pressuring a parent to remove their child, for example under threat of permanent exclusion, as an unlawful exclusion.