Commission investigating school inclusion and children’s wellbeing issues call for evidence

Hackney has a high level of school expulsions and suspensions compared with other London boroughs. Photograph: MChe Lee / Unsplash

Hackney’s Children and Young People Scrutiny Commission has issued a Call for Evidence as part of a review into how the council and its partners can better support children and young people.

The commission, which acts independently of the council, is seeking to understand how different approaches to behaviour management can impact pupils and school inclusion and establish best practices, as well as to identify additional support schools and families in the area may require.

The commission has had ‘longstanding concerns’ about school inclusion – ensuring that all students are able to learn regardless of their background, ability, or needs – in Hackney for a number of years.

“During the past seven years, the Commission has undertaken related investigations into the outcomes of pupils who have been excluded, emotional-based school avoidance and children’s mental health and wellbeing,” the consultation website reads.

These investigations found the pandemic had had a significant impact on children’s mental health and wellbeing, which had subsequently affected their behavioural and learning support needs.

The rate of exclusions and suspensions from school in Hackney is higher than in most London boroughs, and some groups of children are ‘disproportionately impacted’ by differing approaches to school inclusion and behaviour management.

This review began in February 2025. The commission has already heard from education agencies, research organisations, teachers unions, other local authorities and voluntary sector organisations. Now, it is looking for input from members of the public.

Responses given during the current review will be analysed by the commission for consistent themes. The commission will then write a report outlining its findings and recommendations for the council.

Hackney Independent Socialist Collective said of the review: “We urge everyone with relevant experiences across Hackney to take part. Completing this Call for Evidence is one of the few formal routes through which residents, families
and young people themselves can directly influence policy.

“Exclusion does not resolve the challenges young people face, it intensifies them. It damages mental health, disrupts education, increases long-term risk of poverty and criminalisation, and places unbearable pressure on families and wider communities. Harmful behaviour policies have a profound and lifelong impact on children and young people’s futures, confidence and life chances.

“We are committed to the vision of an emotionally healthy borough for all children and young people. That requires a decisive shift away from punishment-led discipline towards care-led, trauma-informed, inclusive and restorative approaches.”

Those who want to have their say now have until January 9, 2026, to do so. Responses are anonymous. You can visit the consultation website here.

Focus groups are also being held in December and January. If you would like to take part in one you can email scrutiny@hackney.gov.uk or provide contact details when you submit your Call for Evidence.