The recent policy update by the Department for Education stipulates that on-site suspensions must be used only for non-violent behaviour and encourages schools to retain students on campus during disciplinary periods rather than sending them home. This change is aimed at reducing the disruption caused by out-of-school detentions and maintaining a stable learning environment for pupils who have been removed from classes for infractions. bKey details/b include the removal of a mandatory 30‑minute detention that previously required students to leave the school grounds, as well as an emphasis on restorative approaches and supervision by teachers or trained staff. Schools are advised to implement a ’bench’ system where students stay in a designated space until a supervising adult can assess the situation or arrange a meeting with parents.

The implementation framework was announced in a meeting attended by several education ministers, teachers’ representatives, and school governors. Ministers cited evidence that home detentions often lead to increased absenteeism and lower academic engagement, suggesting that proximity to school resources and peer support mitigates negative outcomes. iCritics/i note the need for clear guidelines on what constitutes non-violent breaches and how to manage potential escalation while still reinforcing school discipline standards. The Department plans to release standard operating procedures and training modules in the coming weeks, along with a guidance document on risk assessment and monitoring for schools. _2_ The policy also includes a compliance monitoring system. Schools that fail to adhere to the new guidelines may face a review of their disciplinary procedures by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted). This oversight is intended to ensure consistent application of the policy across the country’s diverse educational settings.

_3_ To support the transition, the government is allocating additional funds to bring restorative justice frameworks into classrooms. Workshops for teachers on conflict resolution techniques aim to reduce the number of suspensions by addressing underlying behavioural drivers. The overall objective of shifting suspended students back into school facilities is stated to strengthen learning continuity, reduce social isolation for pupils undergoing disciplinary action, and promote a more equitable educational experience across the nation.