If the pattern was reflected in the remaining areas, that would mean some 48,000 occasions when youngsters were temporarily removed from class for bad behaviour. That is the equivalent of 240 primary pupils being sent home every school day.

The vast majority of incidents are for verbal and physical attacks on fellow pupils and teachers, plus persistent disruptive behaviour.

But a significant number are being sent home for sexual misconduct, racist abuse and drug and alcohol-related incidents.

An estimated 370 were accused of racist actions such as taunting, swearing, bullying or writing xenophobic graffiti.

A total of 295 were sent home for sexual misconduct such as sexual abuse or assault of fellow pupils, lewd behaviour, sexual bullying or writing obscene graffiti. Sixteen boys were suspended from primary schools in Suffolk for sexual misconduct.

Nationally, there were  73 incidents which related to drug dealing, possessing illegal drugs, smoking and alcohol abuse.

Some 460 pupils were expelled in those authorities that replied to the survey, suggesting some 920 expulsions nationally.

Tory education spokesman Michael Gove said: “Teachers need stronger powers to deal with disruptive children.”

The National Union of Teachers said: “A small minority of parents do not teach their children respect for others and how to control their anger.”

But the Department for Children, Schools and Families said: “These figures represent a small minority of the four million primary school children.

“Latest official statistics show that the number of permanent exclusions has fallen by 25 per cent since 1997. The rise in numbers of short-term suspensions suggests schools are using them as a short, sharp shock to nip bad behaviour in the bud.”