New Guidance Proposed for School Internal Exclusions

The Department for Education (DfE) is considering new requirements for schools to formally record and report "internal exclusions." This move aims to create consistent practices, transparency, and better oversight across the education system.

Currently, the government does not collect data on internal suspensions—often called isolation or internal exclusion. However, a Schools Week investigation recently highlighted their widespread use, finding that some secondary schools isolate nearly 20% of their pupils at least once a year. Some parents have reported that these practices left their children feeling "imprisoned" or led to them becoming "selectively mute."

Goals of the New Framework

The upcoming guidance, part of a new national white paper, will encourage headteachers to keep pupils on-site rather than sending them home. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson warned that sending pupils home often results in them "retreating to social media and gaming" instead of focusing on their punishment.

Key aspects of the proposal include:

Meaningful Learning: The DfE noted that pupils are currently often given "generic work." The new guidance suggests internal exclusions should be short, structured interventions featuring meaningful learning and time for reflection;
Clear Definitions: The guidance will provide formal definitions for different types of exclusions to end the current "informal and inconsistent" application; and
No Fixed Targets: While the DfE wants better recording, it confirmed it will not set specific targets for schools regarding how often they use internal exclusion.

Maintaining Headteacher Autonomy

The DfE clarified that internal exclusion is not intended to replace external suspensions. Headteachers will still have the autonomy to send pupils home for the most serious cases of poor behaviour or violence.

While internal measures are suitable for disruptive or escalating behaviour, external suspensions remain a necessary tool for severe incidents. Currently, pupils under external suspension are legally prohibited from being in public without a "good reason," and the DfE is reviewing whether legal definitions of suspension need to be updated to align with the new policy.

Internal Exclusion (Disciplinary)

This is what most people mean when they talk about "the isolation room" or "the booth."

The Intent: It is a formal sanction. The student is moved to a separate area to complete their work under supervision because their behaviour has been disruptive; and
The Issue: The DfE has noted that this is currently "inconsistently applied." Sometimes students are just given "generic work" and left there, which is why the new guidance pushes for "meaningful learning" and better data tracking.

Seclusion (Non-Disciplinary)

This is a much more sensitive area, often involving students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

The Intent: It is not a punishment. It is used when a child is so distressed (dysregulated) that they pose a risk of harm. The goal is to keep everyone safe while the child calms down; and
The Legal Shift: Because seclusion involves preventing a child from leaving a room against their will, it is viewed as a serious restriction of liberty. Schools now face a strict legal duty to record every incident and inform parents immediately, as it is grouped with "use of force" and "restraint."

Summary of the "Gray Area"

The government is concerned that schools might use "internal exclusion" (punishment) as a loophole to avoid the stricter reporting rules of "seclusion" (safety). By requiring schools to record both, they hope to ensure that no child is being hidden away in a room without a paper trail, regardless of what the school calls it.

Key Differences at a Glance

Primary Purpose

Internal Exclusion (or Isolation): Disciplinary; used as a punishment for poor behaviour or breaking school rules; and
Seclusion: Safety/Non-Disciplinary; used to manage high levels of emotional distress or "dysregulation."

Goal

Internal Exclusion (or Isolation): To remove a disruptive student, so others can learn and to serve as a formal sanction; and
Seclusion: To prevent a student from harming themselves or others during a crisis.

Legal Duty

Internal Exclusion (or Isolation): Currently informal, though new guidance aims to require formal recording and reporting; and
Seclusion: There is a legal duty to record and report these incidents to parents, as it is classified as a "restrictive intervention."

The "Exit" Factor

Internal Exclusion (or Isolation): Pupils are expected to stay as part of their punishment, but are generally not physically locked in; and
Seclusion: Pupils are prevented from leaving of their own free will (e.g., a staff member blocking the door).