Off-Rolling Children

'Off-rolling is unethical, inappropriate and beyond repugnant – the consequences are devastating.' – Geoff Barton, Head Teacher

The Edward Timpson review of school exclusions has just been published (May 2019) and 25% of teachers questioned say they have witnessed children being illegitimately removed from schools, or “off rolling,” and that league tables are the reason children are removed from schools; the reason being to ‘boost’ the school’s performance in exam results and SATs (Standard Assessment Tests).

The children targeted are often the most vulnerable, especially children with learning difficulties. These make up 78% of all excluded children, the very children for whom an ordinary life and education with their peers is essential for friendships and inclusion into their communities and any chance of success in adult life.

Even more worrying is the House of Commons Education Committee report.

‘Forgotten children: alternative provision and the scandal of ever-increasing exclusions 2017 - 2019’ listed the following as affecting the numbers of those being ‘off-rolled’:

1. A lack of early intervention and support – much of this closed down under the austerity banner of the Tories facilitated by the Lib Dems.

2. The introduction of ‘zero tolerance’ policies conveniently providing cover for inappropriate exclusion – hitting teenagers, especially boys, who we all know are testing boundaries at this age.

3. An increase in mental health problems – those services adversely hit by the Coalition Government NHS shambles are all contributing to a crisis for vulnerable children in schools alongside all the other crisis initiated by this incompetent Tory Government.

Thank goodness the Labour Party has vowed to tackle “off-rolling” scandal as thousands of children disappear off school rolls. – Enema of the State