SERIOUS BEHAVIOUR

If behaviours are serious and put others at risk or in danger then a decision may be made under the Education Act 1989 and the Education (Stand-down, Suspension, Exclusion, and Expulsion) Rules 1999, to stand down, suspend, or exclude a student. This is not a decision taken lightly as this results in the child being removed from the school.

STAND-DOWN means the formal removal of a student from school for a specified period. Stand-downs of a particular student can total no more than 5 school days in a term or 10 school days in a year.

SUSPENSION means the formal removal of a student from school until the board of trustees decides the outcome at a suspension meeting.
The board of trustees of a school is required to hold a meeting of the board, within 7 school days of the suspension, to decide the outcome of a suspension. Following a suspension, the board may decide to:
a. lift the suspension without conditions
b. lift the suspension with reasonable conditions
c. extend the suspension with reasonable conditions for a reasonable period
d. exclude the student

EXCLUSION means the formal removal of a student aged under 16 from the school and the requirement that the student enrol elsewhere.


Click here for a direct link to the Ministry of Education information on stand downs and exclusions.