Leading a school brings a multitude of daily difficult decisions. But one of the most difficult is when to suspend or permanently exclude a child. The weight of this decision must not be underestimated. The decision made by leaders will ultimately define a different life path for that child and family. It is a life-lasting landmark. I have been exploring how to make these difficult decisions “ethically” in an educational landscape with growing SEN needs, trauma-informed advocates, a boom in parental complaints and DfE guidance directing nearly no external suspensions. Become a member for unlimited access to Schools Week subscribe Our members enjoy early access to exclusive content and in-depth articles before anyone else. Get expert journalism, experience fewer ads, and unlock a growing range of member benefits.