When is a reinstated pupil not reinstated?

Abstract

Bullying is, regrettably, prevalent in many countries, and schools are under considerable pressure to implement anti-bullying policies and disciplinary mechanisms to curb such dysfunctional behaviour. The most severe disciplinary measure is undoubtedly that of excluding (or expelling) the child. The procedure for this drastic action is provided for in England in the School Standards and Framework Act 1998 (“the Act”). However, under Section 67 of the Act, the parents of an excluded child may appeal to an independent panel that has the power to direct that the excluded child be reinstated. Where a school principal is faced with the prospect of reinstating an excluded child (i.e. the bully), what are the steps that can be taken to discharge the obligations to the excluded child, other pupils and members of staff? Must the excluded child be reintegrated into the class or should special arrangements be made for conducting his education separately? Can the teachers refuse to teach the excluded child? This is a situation that arose in the case of L (a minor), Re (2003) UKHL 9 and this paper discusses the case and other related cases, and analyses the House of Lord s’ decision concerning the meaning and effect of “reinstate” and “reinstated”, an issue that is of importance not only to individual pupils, but also to education authorities, school governing bodies, principals, teachers and parents