On 19 February 2013, the charity Contact a Family published a report that reveals that many children with disabilities are being illegally excluded from school.
Over 400 affected families of children in England and Wales with disabilities or additional needs responded to the survey to show that:
- more than half (53 per cent) of families have been asked to collect their child during the school day because there are not enough staff available to support them;
- more than half (56 per cent) of families have been told by the school that their child can’t take part in a class activity or trip because it is unsuitable for them;
- almost a quarter (22 per cent) are illegally excluded every week and 15 per cent every day.
For disabled children who already need more support than their peers, this withdrawal of education can have a devastating impact on their progress and attainment, as well as their confidence, relationships and mental health.
Click here for report.
