Suspending pupils from school will be reserved for the most serious cases of bad behaviour including violence, according to the latest government guidance to be issued to schools in England. School leaders and teachers said the extra clarity was welcome but that there was a risk the deterrent effect of suspensions could be weakened as a result. Di’Iasio said: “It is important that this does not merely create yet more administrative burdens on school leaders and their staff. The policy is likely to require greater flexibility on school behaviour policies to boost inclusion for children with social and emotional issues. We see school leaders every day walking towards this challenge, and have been learning from effective practice to share with the whole sector.”