Suspension.

The rules

The law says the school governing body sets rules for suspending students. The rules about punishing and suspending students are in the school guide and/or the student statute. The law has rules about the procedure:

• A student can be suspended for a maximum of 5 school days.
• In secondary school a suspension can last longer, but only after consulting the education inspectorate and if it involves a removal procedure.
• The suspension decision with the reason is sent by letter to parents. In secondary school the decision is also given to the student and parents if the student is under 18 years old.
• The school governing body informs the education inspectorate if the suspension is longer than one day.

This information must be easy for parents to find.

Maximum 5 days suspension

Primary schools can suspend a child for one continuous week at most. That means a maximum of five school days. This also applies if the school wants to remove the child from school. If the suspension lasts longer than one day, the school must inform the education inspectorate in writing about the suspension and the reason. In secondary school a suspension can be longer, but only after consultation with the education inspectorate and if removal is involved.

Not at school, still learning

If a child is suspended, they cannot attend lessons at school. This does not mean the child has a free day. The school must still give education. This can be extra homework the school gives or discusses by phone with the student.

Letter to parents

The school must inform the parent in writing about the suspension. In secondary education the student must also be informed. The letter says why the child is suspended and for how long. It also explains how to object to the suspension decision. Did not get a letter? Then ask the school for written confirmation.

Making objections

If a parent thinks the school wrongly suspended the child, they can object. Objections can be filed with the school governing body. If you disagree with the new decision, you can go to court.

Complaint or dispute committee tailored education

You can also file a complaint against a suspension. The complaint procedure is often in the school guide. If suspension is part of removing a child from school, parents can also go to the dispute committee tailored education.

School participation council

If you think the school is not clear about the suspension procedure, a parent can go to the school participation council. The school participation council speaks for parents, staff, and students about school policy. The council can raise and discuss concerns with school leaders.