Children unable to attend school - Medical and health needs

Our aim is to make sure that all children and young people receive a suitable, full-time education that meets their individual needs. This helps them achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

Some children of compulsory school age may be unable to attend their educational setting due to illness, exclusion or another reason. In these situations, the Council must consider whether it has a duty under section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to make suitable provision for them.

All children and young people must receive a good education. This is regardless of their circumstances or the setting in which they are educated.

When the Council is responsible for providing alternative education, it must make sure that the provision meets the child's individual needs. It should also support the child to achieve educational outcomes comparable to those of pupils in mainstream education.

Legislative Context

Under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, local authorities must arrange suitable full-time education for children of compulsory school age who cannot attend school because of illness. If a child's health condition limits the amount of education they can access, the local authority must provide as much education as their health allows.

This duty is explained in the DFE statutory guidance Education for children with health needs who cannot attend school [external link].

The guidance sets out what local authorities and others must do to make sure children, who are too ill to attend school, get a good education.

The guidance applies to children who:

• are of compulsory school age
• are on a school roll or not
• cannot attend school or can attend intermittently.

The Home and Hospital Teaching Service works in partnership with the council and follows requirements set out in the guidance.

The wellbeing of the child or young person is the service's main priority. Every referral is different and will be considered individually. Factors such as the child's age, health condition and other circumstances may be taken into account.

To meet a wide range of needs, the Home and Hospital Teaching Service offers varied support. This allows education to be tailored to each child or young person's situation and helps them continue learning during periods when they cannot attend school. 

Referral Criteria

A referral is usually made by a school when a child has missed 15 days of schooling and is under the care of a medical consultant. The consultant will confirm if the child is unable to access their education in the usual way.

In some cases, a referral may be made before 15 days have been missed. For example, a child may be due to have planned surgery and is expected to be absent from school for a long time.

The 15 days do not always have to be consecutive. Some children experience recurring illnesses that affect their attendance which may require a different approach. 

Referrals should be sent directly to the Home and Hospital Teaching Service using the designated referral form. Schools are encouraged to contact the service before making a referral to discuss the child's circumstances. In some cases, the service may be able to provide advice, guidance or support that helps the child continue to receive education through their school.

All referrals are considered by a multi-disciplinary panel which operates as a subgroup of the Vulnerable Pupil Panel (VPP). The panel meets every three weeks during term time to review referrals and consider the most appropriate support for each child.

The school and the child's parents or carers will be informed of the panel's decision within 15 days of the referral being reviewed.

Absence for other reasons

Sometimes a child may be unable to attend school for reasons other than illness or exclusion. The Council will consider the individual circumstances to decide whether it has a duty under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to provide alternative education.

If a child of compulsory school age is unable to attend school for 15 days or more, their educational setting must inform the Council. It does this by submitting a Vulnerable Pupil Panel (VPP) referral form.

All referrals are reviewed by a multi-disciplinary panel, which operates as a subgroup of the Vulnerable Pupil Panel (VPP). The panel will consider the child's circumstances and decide whether the Council has a duty to arrange suitable education other than at school (EOTAS).

The school and the child's parents or carers will be informed of the panel's decision within 15 days of the referral being reviewed.

Contact us

For more information:

• Telephone: 01325 405901
• Email: [email protected]