A recent report has shed light on the concerning issue of children with special educational needs facing suspensions and exclusions in schools. The Runnymede Trust, a racial justice charity, highlighted a troubling trend of under-diagnosis of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in minority ethnic groups, especially Black boys.
The report revealed that Black children, those with SEND, and students on free school meals are disproportionately represented in school suspensions and exclusions. Researchers expressed concerns that vulnerable students are often excluded to safeguard exam results rather than addressing underlying issues such as unmet SEND needs, racial bias, or safeguarding deficiencies.
In the academic year 2023/24, there were approximately 955,000 suspensions, marking a 21% increase from the previous year and the highest level since 20026. Of these, nearly 11,000 were permanent exclusions. Official data indicated that identified students with needs were over three times more likely to be suspended, while those eligible for free school meals were more than four times as likely compared to their peers.
The report pointed out disparities in suspension rates, with White British pupils having an average rate of 13.69 per 100 pupils, while Black Caribbean and Mixed White and Black Caribbean pupils had rates of 15.63 and 20.63, respectively. Traveller of Irish Heritage and Gypsy/Roma children had the highest suspension rates.
Racial bias and stereotypes were cited as contributing factors to the disproportionate exclusion of Black boys. Parents shared distressing accounts of their children being excluded for minor incidents, such as bringing a water pistol to school, leading to prolonged periods out of education.
The report emphasized the detrimental impact of school exclusions on children, warning that these actions can criminalize and traumatize them, leaving lasting scars on both the children and their families. Previous research indicated that a significant percentage of individuals receiving prison sentences had been suspended from school and identified with SEND during their schooling.
Dr. Shabna Begum, the chief executive of the Runnymede Trust, highlighted the urgent need to address the culture of exclusion in schools and prioritize the holistic support of all students. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is working on plans to revamp the SEND system to address the current challenges, with calls for better teacher training in special educational needs and the implementation of national standards.