Schools 'fail expelled pupils'

Schools and councils are failing to help thousands of children who are expelled or "missing" from school, Ofsted said today.

In too many cases, local authorities make matters worse for some of the most vulnerable children in the country, the education watchdog said. Ministers have written to councils promising extra money for a scheme in which unruly children are taught by former soldiers.

Ofsted attacked the "inadequate" support given to about 20,000 children who are expelled each year for bad behaviour

"Too many children and young people are in danger of being lost to the system, becoming disaffected and underachieving, " the report said. "Disturbingly, the lack of robust systems and support are doubly disadvantaging the very childrenmost in need."

More than 9,000 pupils are expelled annually and the Government estimates about 10,000 are missing from the system.