Education when a child cannot attend school because of ill health

If a child cannot go to school because of illness, GOV.UK says the local council must make sure the child continues to get a full-time education, unless part-time is better for their health needs. The council may arrange home teaching, a hospital school service, or a combination.

Timing

GOV.UK says the council should make sure the child is not without access to education for more than 15 school days. It says education should be arranged from the start of the absence if it is clear the child will be away for long and recurring periods. The school should tell the council if absence is likely to exceed 15 school days.

What the school should do

According to GOV.UK, the school should give the council information about the child's needs and education, help the child to reintegrate when they return, and keep the child informed about school events and clubs.

IS THIS THE SAME AS EMOTIONALLY BASED SCHOOL AVOIDANCE?

Whether a child's absence falls under these health-needs arrangements can depend on the circumstances and on the evidence from health professionals. We do not give a view on any individual case. Our guide to EBSA explains the term. Ask your child's school and your local authority how their policy applies, and use your local SENDIASS service if you need help.

Finding provision

Where the council or school arranges education, it normally chooses and funds it. Online provision is one of the options some families and schools look at. Our guide on how placements are arranged explains how to read the access information on each provider page.