Issue 3 – What have been the results of a totally inclusive education system for children with challenging behaviour?
In 2006/7, there were 8,680 permanent exclusions from primary, secondary and special schools in the UK. This represents 0.12% of all school pupils. 87% of all permanent exclusions were from state secondary schools (DCSF, 2009). The number is falling, but national data are not available to look at alternatives which still involve separation.
The use of 'managed moves' is almost certainly increasing and being adopted in circumstances which previously may have attracted an exclusion. Managed moves are another form of separation as a response to behavioural difficulties.
In the UK, 4.8% of all students have Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) 74.9% of these students attend mainstream schools, while 10.5% attend a special school. 2.8% attend further education and 1.6% attend state-funded alternative provision academies (including pupil referral units).
In Italy, there are no official permanent exclusions, but note the figure of 1.1% of pupils grade retained for behavioural reasons.