✔ Step 1 — Stay Calm and Take Notes
Record:
- time of the call
- name of the staff member
- exact wording (as close as possible)
- whether a suspension was mentioned
✔ Step 2 — Clarify Whether This Is a Suspension
“Before I come to the school, can you please confirm whether this is a formal suspension under Ministerial Order 1125?”
If the answer is vague, evasive, or “no,” then the removal is likely unlawful.
✔ Step 3 — Schools Cannot Send Students Home Because:
- “We don’t have enough staff”
- “They need a break”
- “They’re too dysregulated”
- “Other parents have complained”
- “You should take them home to calm down”
None of these are legal grounds for removal.
✔ Step 4 — Script for Responding to an Illegal Removal
“I’m happy to support the school, but I cannot agree to my child being sent home without a formal suspension.
Please follow the required steps under Ministerial Order 1125, and I will review the written documents when they arrive.”
✔ Step 5 — After Collecting Your Child: Send This Correction Email
Use this to protect your record if they tried to send your child home informally:
“Thanks for speaking with me today.
I want to note for accuracy that my child was requested to be collected without a formal suspension being issued under MO1125.
Please confirm whether the school intends to issue a suspension or record this as an early finish.
I will wait for the correct documents before discussing the incident.”
✔ Step 6 — If They Claim It Was an ‘Early Pick-Up’
This is often used to hide a policy breach.
“For clarity, please confirm whether this early pick-up was requested due to behaviour.
If so, this must follow the formal suspension process.”
✔ Step 7 — Request the Required Same-Day Documents
Use this script:
“Could you please provide the required incident information, investigation notes and adjustment review today
as required under MO1125?”
These requirements are detailed in 1C — What the School Must Provide Same Day.