I READ with interest your articles regarding school exclusions (Kicked Out Of Class, May 1; We Expel Pupils As A Last Resort, May 2).

As a parent who has experienced the "other" side of this, it is hard to imagine that fixed-term exclusions are on the decrease.

In my own experience, a fixed-term exclusion (anything from a day to 40 days) is not something that is thought about long and hard.

I have the impression that it is something heads decide on, more often than not, at the drop of a hat.

It has become so "normal" for many children that telling friends and relatives does not even raise an eyebrow.

A lot of people may read this and think: "She should be ashamed. Her child has been excluded. It must be the way she's bringing him up." Let me assure you that is not the case.

In my day, when a child warranted punishment for something they did at school, it was dealt with in school.

Why can't they have them do some kind of community service in school, instead of sending them home to play on their PlayStations?

There must be many children excluded for a minor offence (and believe me, they are) left roaming the streets and getting into all sorts of bother.

There are many parents, however, who do not have this happen. They try to work with school, and end up nearly losing jobs and suffering stress as they try to support their child.

Not all excluded children are weapon-touting chavs/thugs. Lots are kids struggling for many reasons to get through school on a daily basis.

The Press was right: a permanent exclusion should be a very last resort. I am not sure it is, though!

Name and address supplied.

Updated: 10:19 Thursday, May 04, 2006