Q. Do I have to go to school?

Q. Which school do I have to attend?

Q. What if I want to change schools?

Q. What punishments can teachers give me at school?

Q. Can teachers use any physical force on me?

Q. Can I be excluded from school?

Q. What if I think the exclusion is unfair?

Q. Can I be expelled from school?

Q. What can I do if I am being bullied at school?

Q. What if I want to go to sixth form college?

Q. Do I have to go to school?

A. All children and young people under 16 have to receive education and this normally means at school.

Q. Which school do I have to attend?

A. Your social worker should discuss with your parents and you which school you should attend.

Q. What if I want to change schools?

A. This should be discussed with your social worker and your parents. Your Review meeting would be a good opportunity to discuss this. (See section on Care Orders and sub-section Reviews). If it is agreed that you can change school then your social worker will have to apply for you to attend a different school. It is up to that school to decide whether they can offer you a place or not. If a school refuses to offer you a place your social worker can ask the Local Education Authority to review that decision.

Q. What punishments can teachers give me at school?

A. You can be placed in detention. You cannot be hit. If you have a mobile phone, it can be taken away but should be given back for out of school use.

Q. Can teachers use any physical force on me?

A. They can only use reasonable force to restrain you if necessary for example if they think that you are going to hurt yourself or someone else.

Q. Can I be excluded from school?

A. Yes, but only as a last resort. If the school thinks you have behaved badly it should try other types of discipline first. If you are excluded it should be for no more than 14 days, unless you are permanently excluded (see see question below on expulsion), and you should be told the reasons and when you will be allowed to return to school.

Q. What if I think the exclusion is unfair?

A. You should discuss this with your foster carers or key worker and/or your social worker. Your social worker may agree with you and decide to ask the school to reconsider the exclusion. This is called an Appeal.

Q. Can I be expelled from school?

A. Yes. Any pupil can be permanently expelled from school. If you are expelled, you and your social worker will be told of your right to appeal against this decision, and you and your social worker can prepare an appeal. Your parent may also have the right to appeal. If your appeal is unsuccessful, you still have a right to an education, so another school will be found for you. While your social worker is looking for another school, you may be placed in a Pupil Referral Unit or receive education from a home tutor.

Q. What can I do if I am being bullied at school?

A. This is a very serious issue which your school should investigate properly. You should speak to your social worker or teacher. Don't keep the problem to yourself - if you can't talk to a teacher or anyone you know, you could ring Childline - see further contacts page.

Q. What if I want to go to sixth form college?

A. You should approach your careers officer or form tutor in your fifth year to find out what courses are offered in the colleges in your area. A written application is required. Your social worker can help you complete this form. (see section on Leaving Care)