A recent report has highlighted concerns that children with special educational needs are facing suspensions and exclusions in schools instead of receiving the necessary support. The Runnymede Trust, a racial justice charity, identified a troubling trend of under-diagnosis of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) among students from minority ethnic backgrounds, particularly Black boys.
The report revealed that Black children, students with SEND, and those on free school meals are disproportionately represented in school suspensions and exclusions. Researchers cautioned that vulnerable pupils were often being excluded to safeguard exam results rather than addressing root causes like unmet SEND needs, racial bias, or safeguarding gaps.
During the 2023/24 academic year, 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 showed that children with identified needs were over three times more likely to be suspended, while students eligible for free school meals were more than four times as likely compared to their peers.
The report highlighted disparities in suspension rates, with White British pupils averaging 13.69 suspensions per 100 pupils, while Black Caribbean and Mixed White and Black Caribbean pupils had rates of 15.63 and 20.63, respectively. Children from Traveller of Irish Heritage and Gypsy/Roma backgrounds experienced the highest rates of exclusion.
Racial bias and stereotypes were cited as contributing factors to the disproportionate exclusion of Black boys. Parents shared troubling accounts of their children being excluded for minor incidents, such as bringing a small water pistol to school, leading to prolonged periods out of education.
The report emphasized the detrimental effects of school exclusions, noting that they can “criminalize and traumatize” children, leaving lasting impacts on both the children and their families. Previous research indicated that a significant proportion of individuals who receive prison sentences had been suspended from school and identified with SEND during their schooling.
Dr. Shabna Begum, the chief executive of the Runnymede Trust, expressed concerns about the impact of exclusions on children’s futures and called for a shift away from a results-driven culture towards one that nurtures and supports all students. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson is working on plans to reform the SEND system, with calls for better teacher training in special educational needs and the introduction of national standards to address the system’s challenges.