Unions argue expulsion decisions should be made by school officials

The regulations could see youngsters appeal against an expulsion, even without input from their parents.

It is part of a series of moves introduced by Education Minister Jane Davidson which are designed to "avoid exclusion as far as possible".

But Geraint Davies, Welsh NASUWT Secretary said the move, which is not being introduced in England, was "purely cosmetic".

He said decisions to expel pupils should rest solely with head teachers and governors, and disagreed with all attempts to strengthen the appeals process.

Ms Davidson said the new regulations aimed to promote "a variety of support mechanisms and sanctions" to avoid expulsions.

"The main changes include the introduction of the right for pupils of secondary school age and above (11 upwards), as well as their parents, to appeal against their own exclusions," said Ms Davidson.

She said that, even though the assembly government was trying to avoid expulsions where possible, she recognised they were sometimes necessary.

Jane Davidson admits some expulsions are unavoidable

"When this is the case we need to ensure that appropriate procedures are followed to protect the rights of all concerned," she said.

"The intention of this guidance is to clarify those procedures."

The regulations, which came into force on 9 January, also include advice on reintegrating expelled pupils.

But Mr Davies, from NASUWT, argued the decision to expel a pupil "should be vested in the head teacher and governors".

"Except in the most serious incidents, expulsions will follow only at the exhaustive end of a long drawn-out process and a school is left with no alternative," he said.

"We disagree with any attempts to strengthen the appeal process.

"It should be placed in the hands of the professionals who deal with the cases week-in week-out."

Almost all appeals turned into legal battles, said Mr Davies.