What’s the difference between stand-down, suspension and expulsion of my child?
My child has been asked not to come back to the school he was attending. Where can he go now? He's too young to leave school.
In what ways are schools allowed to discipline my children?
What’s the difference between stand-down, suspension and expulsion of my child?
The Ministry of Education defines a stand-down as “the formal removal of a student from school by a principal, for a specific period of time”. Stand-downs are generally used to give your child time to think when they have done something that breaks the school rules. A stand-down can’t last for more than five school days in a term, or 10 school days in a year.
A suspension is defined as “the formal removal of a student from school by a principal, until the board of trustees decides the outcome”. Suspensions are used for more serious problems such as violence, theft, or other serious problems. The board can decide to
- lift the suspension without conditions
- lift the suspension with reasonable conditions your child must follow
- extend the suspension with reasonable conditions – the school must tell you why they have extended the suspension
- exclude or expel the student
Expulsion means that your child is no longer allowed to attend the school. Schools can only expel someone if they are over 16. If your child is removed from the school, they can enrol at another school if they want to and the school is prepared to accept them. If your child is under 16, then they will be ‘excluded’. This means your child is removed from the school, but has to enrol at another school.
It’s a good idea to contact the teacher or principal if you think your child might be headed towards a stand-down, suspension or expulsion. They will be able to explain what the school will take action against, and might be able to give you some tips to help guide your child away from any serious actions.
The rules and regulations about stand-downs, suspensions, and expulsions depend on the school itself. The 
Community Law website has put out a helpful guide on schools and the right to discipline. The Ministry of Education website also has an outline of entitlements and obligations for you and your child as well as information for parents on stand-down, suspension, exclusion and expulsion of a student.
You can consult your local CAB if you need help or advice with issues regarding stand-downs, suspensions or exclusions.
My child has been asked not to come back to the school he was attending. Where can he go now? He's too young to leave school.
Your son can enrol at another school. Just because he has been asked to leave one school, doesn’t mean he’s banned from all schools across New Zealand. Some schools might be hesitant to accept someone who has been asked to leave, but many schools take on children who have been excluded from other schools – some schools even have a policy of accepting these children. Once a child under the age of 16 has been asked to leave a school, the Principal of the school has to try and find another school for them to go to. If they are unable to within ten days, they have to tell the Ministry of Education, who then look into it for you. You can also try to find another school for your child yourself. To find a school near you, see the online schools directory, or check the front of your white pages.
To check that the proper process has been followed for excluding your child, have a look at this guide from the Ministry of Education and this information from Youth Law.
In what ways are schools allowed to discipline my children?
Different schools have different standards for students’ behaviour. What is acceptable in one school might not be in another. Some of the ways in which schools can legally discipline children are
- written work e.g. lines and essays
- detention (staying back in lunchtimes or after school)
- extra work around the school e.g. picking up rubbish
- ‘time out’ or being sent out of class
- taking away privileges e.g. not being allowed to go to the school dance or sports game
- behaviour management programmes e.g. a self-discipline programme
- a reprimand (telling off) in front of the principal and parents
- reports e.g. a report card filled in by teachers and the principal
- written contracts e.g. behaviour contract
The Wellington Community Law Centre has put out a useful guide to school and the right to discipline. It deals with issues around punishments, fees, uniforms, truancy, privacy and bullying, among other issues. But if you are concerned about the way a school is disciplining your child, you should seek advice from your local CAB.