A Different Class: Excluded kids lured into crime

Published: Aug. 29, 2023, 12:31 p.m.

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After an inevitable decline during the pandemic, school exclusions are again on the increase. There are concerns that behaviour is worse because, post pandemic, children can\\u2019t regulate their behaviour in the classroom. So what happens to those who are kicked out? The Government says it has issued updated guidance on suspensions and permanent exclusions and is clear that initial intervention should be put in place where children are at risk of being permanently excluded and entering alternative provision. It says permanent exclusions should always be a last resort and shouldn\\u2019t mean exclusion from education. But File on 4 hears compelling evidence from pupils, parents and teachers to suggest hundreds - maybe thousands - are falling under the radar, targeted by criminal gangs, forced to sell drugs and lured into a life of crime.\\n \\nReporter: De-Graft Mensah\\nProducers: Shona Elliott and Tom Wall\\nSenior Digital Journalist: Melanie Stewart-Smith\\nJournalism Assistant: Tim Fernley\\nTechnical Producer: Gareth Jones \\nEditor: Carl Johnston

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