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Children with medical needs

Access to education for children with medical needs

Every year there are nearly 100,000 children who cannot attend school because of their medical needs. In addition, there are a significant number of children with mental health problems.

Local authorities have a legal duty to provide suitable education for these children if they are of school age. They might do this in a number of ways, for example in hospital, at home, in a unit, or in a combination of these. The home school also has a vital role to play in supporting a child, by providing appropriate work as necessary, maintaining social contacts and ensuring smooth reintegration back into school.

In November 2001, the Department for Education and Skills (now the Department for Children, Schools and Families) jointly, with the Department of Health, issued statutory guidance 'Access to education for children and young people with medical needs' [External Site] Opens in new window which sets national minimum standards of education for children who cannot attend school because they are ill or injured. Children should have as much education as their medical condition allows.

The guidance also highlights the important role that parents play. Parents hold key information and knowledge about their children. They should be full collaborative partners and should be informed about their childs educational programme and performance.

What should I do if my child is, or is likely to be, off school for more than three weeks because illness or injury?
Contact your childs school and/or your LA about educational provision for them.

What if my child is over 16?
The Learning and Skills Council [External Site] has a duty to young people aged 16 to 19 who have missed out on education due to prolonged illness. This is part of its overall duty to encourage participation in education and achievement. The Connexions [External Site] service also has an important part to play in supporting these young people. 

Although there isn't a legal requirement for LAs to support young people over 16,  the guidance expects them to offer support, for example where a child has missed a year or is coming up for public examinations.

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