A MOTHER has successfully appealed against her son’s exclusion from school.

Emma Gregson's son Logan, aged 13, was excluded from St Joseph’s RC School in Horwich in the summer term 2015 for disruptive behaviour.

The decision to exclude Logan permanently was upheld by the school’s governing body but Ms Gregson took her fight to have the order wiped clean from her son’s record to an independent review panel.

The panel recommended that the school's governing body "reconsiders its decision".

The panel said: “We do not feel that all the sanctions available to the school had been exhausted prior to the permanent exclusion.

“The panel accepted that the pupil had severe behavioural issues, however, they were of the opinion that this had manifested itself due to failings at both his primary schools and the transition into secondary school."

Ms Gregson, aged 39, who lives in Horwich, with Logan and her other sons Jason, aged 11, and Leon, aged six, said: “Logan is now doing really well.

“He has been at Youth Challenge and received the support he needs. He has now been given a place at Harper Green School.

“There should be better understanding and support for children with behavioural difficulties.

"Logan is a clever young boy and support he has received has made a difference to him.”

Following the recommendations of the panel, St Joseph’s RC School wrote to Ms Gregson offering to reinstate Logan.

The school, one of the top performing in Bolton, is described as a good school with outstanding features by Ofsted.

It was praised for focusing on high aspirations and achievement for all students.

Headteacher Richard Woods said: “Although we would prefer not to comment on the individual circumstances of a former pupil, St Joseph’s very much prides itself on being an inclusive and nurturing community with high standards and expectations of all our students.

"During our recent Ofsted inspection St Joseph’s students were found to have outstanding and exemplary behaviour. The governors have also invested over £100,000 into our St Anthony Nurture Centre which supports our most vulnerable students.

"Our staff work extremely closely with families, external agencies, professionals and the local authority to ensure that each and every child in our care is happy, safe and secure.”

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “Each school has a published behaviour policy which outlines the behaviour expected from all pupils. Support is offered to pupils in maintaining these high standards of behaviour including, where appropriate, support from specialised council services.

"Behaviour in schools is judged by Ofsted. In the vast majority of Bolton schools it is rated as good or better.”

Logan previously attended St Catherine's CE Primary School in Horwich and Chorley New Road Primary School.

Headteacher of St Catherine's CE Primary School, Karen Graham said: "Any child who has additional needs is consistently and exceptionally well provided for.

"Our Ofsted inspection in 2014 confirmed that the care and welfare of pupils is central to the work of the school. Behaviour and safety was judged — and remains — outstanding."

"The Independent Review Panel was a process conducted without input from either primary school, leaving us unable to challenge any of the comments made by the other party."