DOZENS of pupils in Poole have been excluded from school so far this year – the highest number for three years.

With more than a month left of the academic year, 41 children have been permanently excluded so far in 2017/18.

As a result of the rise, Poole council’s preferred replacement school, The Quay School, is now at maximum capacity, forcing the authority to find alternative places.

While more than half of children excluded have been in years 9 and 10 (those aged 13, 14 or 15), one pupil in Year 2 (six or seven years old) has also received the punishment this year.

The figures have been published in a report by Borough of Poole’s High Needs task and finish group.

It shows that the number of exclusions is at its highest level since 2014/15 when 45 children were permanently excluded.

“Permanent exclusions have continued to rise over the academic year 2017-2018, which has resulted in the preferred local provider, The Quay School, becoming full,” the report says.

“Alternative packages / places have therefore been required, putting further pressure on the HNB (High Needs Block – funding for children with additional needs).

“As this increase has not reduced, it is likely that the HNB will require further funding for 2018/2019 academic year to provide alternative provision to accommodate permanently excluded pupils.”

Poole council’s budget for high needs funding was increased by £477,000 this year.