Extract from Annex 6

Statutory Committees

PUPIL DISCIPLINE COMMITTEE

Membership

1 The membership of the Pupil Discipline Committee will comprise three members (excluding the headteacher) all of whom shall be governors of the school.

Quorum

2 The quorum for a meeting of the Committee shall be 3 governors.

Clerk

3 The Committee will appoint its own clerk who will not be a member of the governing body or the headteacher. The clerk's role will be to minute the decisions of the Committee

Chair

4 The Chair of the Committee will be appointed by the governing body at the annual review of committees.

Terms of reference

5 Following notification by the headteacher, the Committee will meet to consider exclusions in the following circumstances:

(i) exclusions of more than five school days in any one term;

(ii) permanent exclusions;

(iii) exclusions of any length which would result in the pupil losing an opportunity to take a public examination.

In (iii) above, if it is not practical for a quorate meeting of the Committee to be held before the pupil is due to take the examination, the Chair of the Committee may act on behalf of the Committee in order to deal with the matter quickly.

6 In considering the above, the Committee must:

(i) consider the circumstances in which the pupil was excluded;

(ii) consider any representations by a parent of a pupil under 18, or a pupil who is 18+, or by the LEA.

(iii) allow those wishing to make representations to attend a meeting to present their views;

(iv) consider whether to reinstate the pupil, and if so, give the appropriate direction to the headteacher, including the date on which the pupil should be reinstated;

(v) take account of the relevant guidance in DfEE Circular 10/99 (as amended).

7 Where the Committee is notified of an exclusion of five school days or less, the Committee shall consider any statement from the parent (or pupil, if 18+);

8 To keep under review the governing body's discipline statement and ensure any amendments are approved by the governing body.

9 In consultation with the headteacher, to monitor exclusions and consider whether there are any trends in the data which need to be addressed.

10 In consultation with the headteacher, to monitor incidents of racial and sexual harassment and bullying and consider whether there are any trends in the data which need to be addressed.

11 To report the Committee's resolutions and recommendations to the next full meeting of the governing body.

12 To determine any other matters referred to the Committee by the governing body.