Allen & Overy hosts panel discussion to tackle issue of school exclusion
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15 March 2021
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LONDON – Allen & Overy, together with long-term charity partner Governors for Schools, will host two panel discussions on school exclusions. The panel sessions will focus on how governors can reduce preventable exclusions and the importance of creating an inclusive culture in schools.
School exclusions is a new focus for A&O and is part of their Access to Education and Employment programmes with the firm establishing a holistic approach to addressing and preventing unnecessary school exclusions. A&O aims to find ways to support students, parents, teachers and those volunteering as school governors to become better informed and find workable solutions to ensure no student is excluded from their fundamental right to an education.
With the number of children and young people being permanently excluded from state schools growing at a rate of 71% in the last 7 years, the first panel session will include a range of speakers including a young person who will share their experience of how being excluded has affected them and Edward Timpson MP.
The second panel event will focus on how governors should consider their role in the exclusions process and what strategies can be put in place to support schools before they get to this stage.
Following the series, Governors for Schools will launch a short eLearning module for governors, covering the role governors can play in reducing exclusions. Resources will include key questions governors should be asking on exclusions, commissioned by Allen & Overy.
Jane Higgins, Partner at Allen & Overy and Trustee of Governors for Schools, who will be chairing the events, said:
With the number of children and young people being permanently excluded from state schools growing at a rate of 71% in the last 7 years, the first panel session will include a range of speakers including a young person who will share their experience of how being excluded has affected them and Edward Timpson MP.
The second panel event will focus on how governors should consider their role in the exclusions process and what strategies can be put in place to support schools before they get to this stage.
Following the series, Governors for Schools will launch a short eLearning module for governors, covering the role governors can play in reducing exclusions. Resources will include key questions governors should be asking on exclusions, commissioned by Allen & Overy.
Jane Higgins, Partner at Allen & Overy and Trustee of Governors for Schools, who will be chairing the events, said:
Creating an inclusive culture in schools for all children is both an economic and social imperative. The number of children and young people permanently excluded from state schools has grown at an alarming rate and this is affecting those who are most vulnerable in society.
“Allen & Overy has a long term partnership with Governors for Schools and together we are focusing on the issue of school exclusions which forms a strategic part of the work we are leading on as a firm.”
Hannah Stolton, CEO of Governors for Schools added: “School exclusions are on the rise and school governors have an important role to play in tackling this issue. Children and young people who are excluded from school often face more challenges than their peers and can be limited in reaching their full potential.
“We’re grateful to be working with A&O to produce a webinar series and eLearning module to help governors make a difference to children and young people’s lives - and the route their lives will take.”
Hannah Stolton, CEO of Governors for Schools added: “School exclusions are on the rise and school governors have an important role to play in tackling this issue. Children and young people who are excluded from school often face more challenges than their peers and can be limited in reaching their full potential.
“We’re grateful to be working with A&O to produce a webinar series and eLearning module to help governors make a difference to children and young people’s lives - and the route their lives will take.”