16 January 2007

Parents of Li Harris

I am writing to inform you of my decision to exclude Li for a fixed period of three days. This means that he will not be allowed in school for this period. The exclusion begins on Wednesday 17 January 2007 and ends on Friday 19 January 2007. I realise that this exclusion may well be upsetting for you and your family, but the decision to exclude Li has not been taken lightly. Li has been excluded for this fixed period for the following reasons:-

He was found smoking in the playground at lunchtime. He told me that he had picked up used butts and had smoked around ten of them this week. He brought a lighter into school for the purpose and seems to have a little “smokers pouch” in which he keeps it, with the butts. I have the lighter for your collection. We explained the dangers of smoking to Li who said that he had started because David does it. We also explained that tobacco is a drug and that it is subject to legal age restrictions.

You have the right to make representations to the governing body. If you wish to make representations please contact the Clerk, Mrs S Brough at the school as soon as possible. You have the right to make representations to Kent LEA These representations will be considered by the LEA’s Exclusions Officer. If you wish to make representations please contact Maureen Danilewicz on 01622 696705 fmaureen.daniiewicz@k ent-qov-uk) as soon as possible. You should also be aware that If you think the exclusion relates to a disability your child has, and you think disability discrimination has occurred, you have the irght to appeal, and/or make a claim, to the SEN and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST). The address to which appeals should be sent is SENDIST, Procession House, 55 Ludgate Hill, London EC4M 7JW. You also have the right to see a copy of Li’s school record. I will be happy to supply you with a copy if you request it. There may be a charge for photocopying. This exclusion will be managed by The Launchpad, who are based at the Marlowe Academy in Ramsgate. They will make contact with you and will arrange for Li to be collected to be taken to The Launchpad. While at The Launchpad Li will receive input from behaviour professionals whose brief is to help him return to a stable school placement. On his return to school