# Can a nursery or school refuse, exclude or send home an autistic child? > No nursery, childminder or school may refuse or exclude a child because they are autistic. Under the Equality Act 2010 they must make reasonable adjustments, planned in advance, and a child does not need a diagnosis to be protected. In England's state-funded schools, sending a pupil home for behaviour is a suspension, excluding a pupil because the school feels it cannot meet their needs is unlawful, and part-time timetables are for very exceptional cases. - Canonical page: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/refusing-or-excluding-an-autistic-child - Publisher: Rocks Make Pebbles (https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk) - Topic: For nurseries and schools - Applies to: England - Last updated: 1 October 2026. Checked against sources: 1 October 2026 - Professional review: Not yet reviewed (waiting for review by a SEND legal adviser, SENCO and headteacher or nursery manager) - Drafted with the help of AI tools and checked against the sources listed below. Editorial policy: https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/editorial-policy ## Key points - Refusing or excluding a child because they are autistic is disability discrimination. Reasonable adjustments must be planned in advance. - A child does not need a diagnosis to be protected. The law looks at the effect of their difficulties. - "We can't meet their needs" is not an answer on its own. Ask the council for funding and specialist support first. - In state-funded schools, sending a pupil home for behaviour, even for half a day, is a suspension that must be formally recorded. - Part-time timetables are for very exceptional cases, need the parent's agreement and an end date, and should not be used to manage behaviour. - Reception children below compulsory school age are entitled to a full-time place and attend part-time only if their parents wish. ## Can a nursery or school refuse or exclude a child because they are autistic? No. Turning a child away or excluding them because they are autistic is direct disability discrimination ([Equality Act 2010, section 13](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/13)). DfE's advice for schools says direct discrimination cannot be justified "in any circumstances" ([DfE Equality Act advice, 4.8](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7e3237ed915d74e33f0ac9/Equality_Act_Advice_Final.pdf)). The harder cases involve things linked to a child's autism, such as behaviour, toileting or support needs. Treating a disabled child unfavourably "because of something arising in consequence of" their disability is discrimination unless it is "a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim" ([section 15](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/15)). The EHRC's code for service providers, such as nurseries, says they must bring evidence, "not rely on generalisations", and that if they failed to make a reasonable adjustment that would have prevented or reduced the problem, "it will be very difficult" to justify ([EHRC code, 6.19 and 6.22](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0de69fe0994f7c13d7b411/EHRC_Code_of_Practice_for_services__public_functions_and_associations__2_.pdf)). [Reasonable adjustments](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#reasonable-adjustments) are changes to how you do things, or extra aids and services, so a disabled child is not put at "a substantial disadvantage" ([section 20](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/20)). The duty is anticipatory: plan for what disabled children might need before a particular child arrives ([SEND Code of Practice, 5.10 and 6.9](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf)). A disabled pupil can still be suspended, but the Equality Act and SEN duties "need to be complied with when deciding whether to exclude a pupil" ([DfE suspension and exclusion guidance](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a63426d9a419980593b2b80/suspension-and-permanent-exclusion-from-maintained-schools-academies-and-pupil-referral-units-in-England-including-pupil-movement-effective-from-26-July-2026.pdf)). ### Does the child need a diagnosis? No. Disability means a physical or mental impairment with "a substantial and long-term adverse effect" on normal day-to-day activities ([section 6](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/6)). The EHRC's code, in force since 5 August 2026 ([GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-2010-code-of-practice-for-services-public-functions-and-associations-2026)), names autism as a mental impairment and says "There is no need for a person to establish a medically diagnosed cause". A setting only needs to know the facts of a child's difficulties, not that they meet the legal definition ([EHRC code, 6.25 and appendix](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0de69fe0994f7c13d7b411/EHRC_Code_of_Practice_for_services__public_functions_and_associations__2_.pdf)). A child waiting for an autism assessment can still be protected. ## What does the Equality Act say for each type of setting? Schools and early years providers have the same core duties. | What the law covers | Schools, including nursery and reception classes ([section 85](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/85)) | Private, voluntary and independent nurseries and childminders, as service providers ([section 29](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/29)) | |---|---|---| | Refusing a place | Must not discriminate "by not admitting the person as a pupil" | Must not discriminate "by not providing the person with the service" | | Ending or cutting back a place | Must not discriminate "by excluding the pupil from the school" or by "any other detriment" | Must not discriminate "by terminating the provision of the service" or by "any other detriment" | | Treatment because of something linked to autism ([section 15](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/15)) | Discrimination unless "a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim" | The same test | | Reasonable adjustments | Owed to "disabled pupils generally", so anticipatory ([Schedule 13, para 2](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/schedule/13/paragraph/2)) | Owed to "disabled persons generally", so anticipatory ([Schedule 2, para 2(2)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/schedule/2/paragraph/2)) | | Sending a child home | In state schools, DfE's July 2026 suspension and exclusion guidance applies | That guidance does not apply, but the Act does | Two more rules apply: - A contract term is unenforceable "in so far as it constitutes, promotes or provides for" treatment the Act prohibits ([section 142](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/142)), so a notice clause cannot make a discriminatory decision lawful. - A provider cannot require a disabled person to pay "to any extent" the cost of reasonable adjustments ([section 20(7)](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/20)). ## What should a nursery or childminder do before saying "we can't meet their needs"? Ask for help first. The EHRC's code gives the example of a private nursery that refuses a child with seizures because staff are not trained: this "could be discrimination arising from disability" unless the nursery can justify it. Being "denied a service or given a poorer service" is also unfavourable treatment ([EHRC code, 6.5 and 6.10](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0de69fe0994f7c13d7b411/EHRC_Code_of_Practice_for_services__public_functions_and_associations__2_.pdf)). Sending a child home early, or cutting their hours, because of behaviour linked to autism could count too. If a child needs more than your ratios and budget allow, ask the council: - **[SEN Inclusion Fund (SENIF)](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#sen-inclusion-fund):** every council must have one for children below compulsory school age with SEN, "regardless of the number of hours taken", partly "to help providers offer places for these children". Councils should publish how to apply ([DfE early years funding guide 2026 to 2027](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-funding-2026-to-2027/early-years-entitlements-local-authority-funding-operational-guide-2026-to-2027)). - **[Disability Access Fund](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#disability-access-fund):** at least £975 a year for a child who gets DLA and takes up any funded hours, paid to their main setting and usable for reasonable adjustments and staff training (same guide). - **[Area SENCO](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#area-senco):** councils "often make use of Area SENCOs" for advice, training and "day-to-day support for setting-based SENCOs" ([SEND Code of Practice, 5.55 to 5.56](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf)). - **[Experts at Hand](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#experts-at-hand):** launching from September 2026, it brings specialists such as speech and language therapists into mainstream settings, including nurseries and childminders, and children "will not need a diagnosis" ([DfE](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-send-reform-developing-the-experts-at-hand-offer/experts-at-hand-what-those-leading-and-working-in-mainstream-settings-need-to-know)). **Charging.** Statutory guidance says councils must take all steps available to stop providers charging parents "additional support costs" for children with SEND within funded hours, or as a condition of a funded place ([DfE early education and childcare guidance, A1.38](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-education-and-childcare--2/early-education-and-childcare-valid-from-1-april-2026)). **Nappies.** No law lets a nursery or school refuse a child because they are not toilet trained. If it is linked to their autism, refusing them could be discrimination under section 15, and the [EYFS](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#eyfs) already requires changing facilities for "any children who are in nappies" ([EYFS group framework, 3.88](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a5f8e4fb00f3323bf1a23a1/EYFS_group_and_school_based_from_September_2026.pdf)). See our guide on [toileting and intimate care](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/toileting-and-intimate-care-in-nursery-and-school). > **Try this:** When a place is under strain, meet the parents and your area SENCO before anyone mentions notice. Bring a short log of what happened, what you have tried and what helped. ## When is sending a child home from school a suspension? When it is because of behaviour, always. DfE's statutory suspension and permanent exclusion guidance, in force from 26 July 2026, covers maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units, including nursery classes and pupils below compulsory school age. It does not cover independent schools, which have their own procedures, or private nurseries and childminders. It says ([DfE suspension and exclusion guidance](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a63426d9a419980593b2b80/suspension-and-permanent-exclusion-from-maintained-schools-academies-and-pupil-referral-units-in-England-including-pupil-movement-effective-from-26-July-2026.pdf)): - "Telling or forcing a pupil to leave school, or not allowing them to attend school, is a suspension (if temporary) or permanent exclusion (if permanent)" (para 18). - Sending a pupil home for disciplinary reasons and asking them to log on "should always be recorded as a suspension" (para 8). - Only the headteacher can suspend (para 1). A half-day [suspension](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#suspension-and-exclusion) is allowed, but the formal process applies and each one "must be confirmed to the parents in writing" with the reasons (para 19). - "It would also be unlawful to exclude a pupil simply because they have SEN or a disability that the school feels it is unable to meet" (para 20). - Off-rolling includes "placing a pupil on a part-time timetable for behavioural reasons" (para 21). It also warns that "if reasonable adjustments have not been made for a pupil with a disability that can manifest itself in breaches of school rules if needs are not met, a decision to exclude may be discriminatory", and that adjustments "can, in principle, apply" to sanctions (para 70). With an [EHC plan](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#ehcp), the school should contact the council early and "consider requesting an early annual review prior to making the decision to suspend or permanently exclude". Without one, it should review support with specialists, which "may provide a point for schools to request an EHC assessment" (para 73). > **Myth:** "If the parents agree to collect early, it is not an exclusion." DfE counts "sending a pupil home without a formal suspension regardless of whether it occurs with the agreement of parents" as off-rolling ([DfE suspension and exclusion guidance, para 21](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a63426d9a419980593b2b80/suspension-and-permanent-exclusion-from-maintained-schools-academies-and-pupil-referral-units-in-England-including-pupil-movement-effective-from-26-July-2026.pdf)). ## Can a school put an autistic child on a part-time timetable? Only in limited cases. DfE's attendance guidance (July 2026) says a temporary [part-time timetable](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#part-time-timetable) is for "very exceptional circumstances, where it is in a pupil's best interests", and "should not be used to manage a pupil's behaviour" (para 66). It should: - have "the agreement of both the school and the parent the pupil normally lives with"; - be part of the child's wider support, health care or reintegration plan; - have regular reviews that include the child and their parents, and a proposed end date (para 67). If the child has an EHC plan, the school should discuss the timetable with the council so support can be reviewed "as swiftly as possible" (para 69). For pupils with SEND, schools are also expected to consider reasonable adjustments and "a time-limited phased return" (para 59) ([DfE attendance guidance](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a4f9ec6a6586e258d371bd0/Working_together_to_improve_school_attendance_2026.pdf)). The exclusion guidance adds that a part-time timetable "must only be in place for the shortest time necessary" (para 33). ### What about reception? The attendance rules are for pupils of compulsory school age. A child reaches it on 31 December, 31 March or 31 August after their fifth birthday, so children starting reception at the usual age begin below it, and summer-born children stay below it all year. Until then, a child is "entitled to a full-time place", and "where the parents wish, children may attend part-time" ([School Admissions Code 2021, 2.17 and footnote 56](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60ebfeb08fa8f50c76838685/School_admissions_code_2021.pdf)). At that age, part-time attendance is the parents' choice, not the school's. ## What should we do instead of sending a child home? DfE's behaviour guidance says schools should "anticipate likely triggers of misbehaviour and put in place support to prevent these", and consider whether a pupil's SEND contributed before deciding whether a sanction is "appropriate and lawful" ([DfE behaviour in schools guidance](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65ce3721e1bdec001a3221fe/Behaviour_in_schools_-_advice_for_headteachers_and_school_staff_Feb_2024.pdf)). The same steps work in nurseries. 1. **Review what happened.** Look at what came before, during and after, and what the behaviour may have been telling you, for example with an [ABC chart](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#abc-chart). Our guide on [meltdowns and distress](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/meltdowns-and-distress-at-nursery-and-school) covers the moment itself. 2. **Adjust.** Change the triggers you can, such as noise, waiting, transitions, seating or lunchtime. DfE's examples include "short, planned movement breaks". Note whether each change helped. 3. **Involve the SENCO and specialists.** With the parents' agreement, ask the [SENCO](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#senco), area SENCO, Experts at Hand, an educational psychologist or a speech and language therapist ([SEND Code of Practice, 5.48 and 6.59](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf)). 4. **Plan with the parents.** The SEND Code says "parents know their children best" (5.5). Agree the support, what it should change and "a clear date for review" (6.48). 5. **Ask for more help.** In nursery, apply for SENIF or the Disability Access Fund. With an EHC plan, ask the council for an early review. Without one, a school can request an [EHC needs assessment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/glossary#ehc-needs-assessment), and a nursery or childminder can bring the child to the council's attention, with the parents' knowledge (SEND Code, 9.8 and 9.9). For SEN support in school, see our guide on [reception and Key Stage 1](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/autism-in-reception-and-key-stage-1); for nurseries, see [supporting an autistic child in nursery](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/supporting-autistic-children-in-nursery). > **Get help now:** If a child or adult has been hurt, follow your setting's first aid and safeguarding procedures, speak to the designated safeguarding lead about any safeguarding concern, and call 999 in an emergency. ## How often are autistic children suspended, and what does the research say? In 2024/25, primary pupils in England whose primary need was recorded as autism had 9.77 suspensions per 100 pupils, compared with 0.52 per 100 for primary pupils with no identified SEN ([DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions statistics](https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/suspensions-and-permanent-exclusions-in-england)). In the same year, there were 109 permanent exclusions of primary pupils whose primary need was autism. State-funded schools also recorded 22,290 suspensions of pupils in Year 1 and below. Research on preventing exclusion is limited and mostly involves older pupils. In a study of nine autistic students, average age 13, interviewees linked past exclusions to unmet needs and inappropriate approaches by previous school staff. It identified four keys to a successful return: big changes to the environment, strong staff relationships, understanding each student's needs and work on wellbeing ([Brede et al. 2017](https://doi.org/10.1177/2396941517737511)). British surveys of children's mental health found exclusion and psychological distress linked in both directions ([Ford et al. 2018](https://doi.org/10.1017/s003329171700215x)). ## Where can staff and families get advice? For staff: - **Your SENCO**, and in early years the area SENCO or council early years inclusion team, who handle SENIF and the Disability Access Fund. - **The council's SEN or inclusion team**, if a child has an EHC plan, or before a part-time timetable, shorter day or exclusion. - **Specialists** such as Experts at Hand, educational psychology and speech and language therapy. - **Free training:** DfE's [SEND and inclusion training for mainstream schools](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/send-and-inclusion-training-for-mainstream-schools) and the DfE-funded [early years inclusion courses](https://dingley.org.uk/training-eycpd/). - **SEND legal advice** on a particular child, from your council, trust or a SEND legal adviser, before you act. For families (staff can pass these on): - **[SENDIASS](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#sendiass):** free, impartial local advice, including on exclusions. DfE says every exclusion letter "should include details of the local service" ([DfE guidance, para 95](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a63426d9a419980593b2b80/suspension-and-permanent-exclusion-from-maintained-schools-academies-and-pupil-referral-units-in-England-including-pupil-movement-effective-from-26-July-2026.pdf)). - **[IPSEA](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#ipsea):** free legal advice on SEND law in England. - **[SOS!SEN](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#sossen):** a free, term-time helpline. - **[The National Autistic Society](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#nas)** and **[Contact](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#contact)**, the charity for families with disabled children. Our parent guides on [when school is hard](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/when-school-is-hard) and [requesting an EHC needs assessment](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/guides/how-to-request-an-ehcp) explain these rules for families. > **Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland:** The DfE guidance, SEND Code and funding described here are for England. The Equality Act 2010 also covers Scotland and Wales, but it does not extend to Northern Ireland ([section 217](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/217)). For advice, families can contact [Enquire](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#enquire) in Scotland, [SNAP Cymru](https://rocksmakepebbles.co.uk/where-to-get-help#snap-cymru) in Wales, or Contact anywhere in the UK. ## Questions staff ask ### Can a nursery refuse to take an autistic child? Not because they are autistic: that is direct disability discrimination. Private, voluntary and independent nurseries and childminders are service providers under the Equality Act 2010, so they must also make reasonable adjustments and plan them in advance. Refusing a child because of something linked to their autism, such as behaviour, toileting or the support they need, is discrimination unless the nursery can show it is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim. Ask the council for SEN inclusion funding, the Disability Access Fund and area SENCO support first. ### Can we ask parents to collect a child early after a meltdown? Not as an informal arrangement. In a state-funded school, DfE guidance in force from 26 July 2026 says telling a pupil to leave is a suspension, and sending a pupil home without a formal suspension counts as off-rolling even if the parents agree. Only the headteacher can suspend, through the formal process, with written reasons. A meltdown is distress, so first ask what adjustments would help. Private nurseries are not covered by the exclusion rules, but cutting a child's day short because of something linked to their autism must still be justified under the Equality Act. ### Is a part-time timetable legal for an autistic child? Sometimes, but only in limited cases. For a child of compulsory school age, DfE's July 2026 attendance guidance says it is for very exceptional circumstances in the child's best interests. It should have the parent's agreement, regular reviews and a proposed end date, and should not be used to manage behaviour. Children who start reception at the usual age are below compulsory school age at first, and until they reach it the School Admissions Code says they are entitled to a full-time place and attend part-time only if their parents wish. ### Can a school exclude a child because it says it can't meet their needs? No, not for that reason. DfE's suspension and permanent exclusion guidance says it would be unlawful to exclude a pupil simply because they have SEN or a disability that the school feels it is unable to meet. Instead, the school should review the support with specialists and consider requesting an EHC needs assessment. If the child has an EHC plan, it should contact the council early and consider asking for an early annual review. ### Can we charge parents for one-to-one support in nursery? Not within funded hours. Statutory guidance says councils must take all steps available to stop providers charging parents additional support costs for children with SEND as part of funded hours, or as a condition of a funded place. The Equality Act also says a provider cannot require a disabled person to pay any of the cost of reasonable adjustments. Ask the council about SEN inclusion funding, the Disability Access Fund and area SENCO support instead. ### Does a child need an autism diagnosis to be protected by the Equality Act? No. The Act protects a child whose physical or mental impairment has a substantial and long-term effect on normal day-to-day activities, and the EHRC's 2026 code of practice says there is no need to establish a medically diagnosed cause. A setting only needs to know the facts of a child's difficulties, not whether they meet the legal definition. Reasonable adjustments, SEN support and Experts at Hand should not wait for a diagnosis. ### Can we exclude an autistic child who hurts other children? A school can still suspend a disabled pupil, and everyone's safety matters. But DfE's behaviour guidance notes a 2018 Upper Tribunal decision: a child with a recognised condition that makes a tendency to physical abuse more likely can still be disabled under the Equality Act. So the school should consider whether autism contributed, whether a sanction is appropriate and lawful, and what adjustments would prevent it happening again. If the child has an EHC plan, contact the council early and consider an early annual review first. ## Sources 1. [Equality Act 2010, section 13: Direct discrimination](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/13), legislation.gov.uk 2. [Equality Act 2010: advice for schools](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7e3237ed915d74e33f0ac9/Equality_Act_Advice_Final.pdf), Department for Education, May 2014 3. [Equality Act 2010, section 15: Discrimination arising from disability](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/15), legislation.gov.uk 4. [Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations, 2026](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a0de69fe0994f7c13d7b411/EHRC_Code_of_Practice_for_services__public_functions_and_associations__2_.pdf), Equality and Human Rights Commission, May 2026 5. [Equality Act 2010: Code of Practice for services, public functions and associations, 2026 (publication page)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/equality-act-2010-code-of-practice-for-services-public-functions-and-associations-2026), GOV.UK, 5 August 2026 6. [Equality Act 2010, section 20: Duty to make adjustments](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/20), legislation.gov.uk 7. [SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a7dcb85ed915d2ac884d995/SEND_Code_of_Practice_January_2015.pdf), Department for Education, January 2015 8. [Suspension and permanent exclusion from maintained schools, academies and pupil referral units in England, including pupil movement (effective from 26 July 2026)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a63426d9a419980593b2b80/suspension-and-permanent-exclusion-from-maintained-schools-academies-and-pupil-referral-units-in-England-including-pupil-movement-effective-from-26-July-2026.pdf), Department for Education, July 2026 9. [Equality Act 2010, section 6: Disability](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/6), legislation.gov.uk 10. [Equality Act 2010, section 85: Pupils: admission and treatment, etc.](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/85), legislation.gov.uk 11. [Equality Act 2010, section 29: Provision of services, etc.](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/29), legislation.gov.uk 12. [Equality Act 2010, Schedule 13, paragraph 2: Schools](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/schedule/13/paragraph/2), legislation.gov.uk 13. [Equality Act 2010, Schedule 2, paragraph 2: Services and public functions, the duty](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/schedule/2/paragraph/2), legislation.gov.uk 14. [Equality Act 2010, section 142: Unenforceable terms](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/142), legislation.gov.uk 15. [Early years entitlements: local authority funding operational guide 2026 to 2027](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-years-funding-2026-to-2027/early-years-entitlements-local-authority-funding-operational-guide-2026-to-2027), Department for Education, 13 January 2026 16. [Experts at Hand: what those leading and working in mainstream settings need to know](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-send-reform-developing-the-experts-at-hand-offer/experts-at-hand-what-those-leading-and-working-in-mainstream-settings-need-to-know), Department for Education, 5 June 2026 17. [Early education and childcare: statutory guidance for local authorities (valid from 1 April 2026)](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-education-and-childcare--2/early-education-and-childcare-valid-from-1-april-2026), Department for Education, 1 April 2026 18. [Early years foundation stage statutory framework for group and school-based providers (from September 2026)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a5f8e4fb00f3323bf1a23a1/EYFS_group_and_school_based_from_September_2026.pdf), Department for Education, 13 July 2026 19. [Working together to improve school attendance (statutory guidance)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a4f9ec6a6586e258d371bd0/Working_together_to_improve_school_attendance_2026.pdf), Department for Education, July 2026 20. [School Admissions Code 2021](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/60ebfeb08fa8f50c76838685/School_admissions_code_2021.pdf), Department for Education, 2021 21. [Behaviour in schools: advice for headteachers and school staff](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65ce3721e1bdec001a3221fe/Behaviour_in_schools_-_advice_for_headteachers_and_school_staff_Feb_2024.pdf), Department for Education, February 2024 22. [Suspensions and permanent exclusions in England, academic year 2024/25](https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/suspensions-and-permanent-exclusions-in-england), Department for Education, 9 July 2026 23. [Excluded from school: autistic students' experiences of school exclusion and subsequent re-integration into school (Brede et al.)](https://doi.org/10.1177/2396941517737511), Autism & Developmental Language Impairments, 2017 24. [The relationship between exclusion from school and mental health (Ford et al.)](https://doi.org/10.1017/s003329171700215x), Psychological Medicine, 2018 25. [SEND and inclusion training for mainstream schools](https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/send-and-inclusion-training-for-mainstream-schools), Department for Education, 24 September 2026 26. [Early years CPD: inclusive practice courses funded by the Department for Education](https://dingley.org.uk/training-eycpd/), Dingley's Promise 27. [Equality Act 2010, section 217: Extent](https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/section/217), legislation.gov.uk --- General information for families in the UK, not medical, legal or financial advice. If you are worried about your child's health, contact your GP or call NHS 111 (in Northern Ireland, your GP out of hours service). In an emergency, call 999.