Children with health needs who cannot attend school Policy

Contents

1. Aims                                                                                        

2. Legislation and guidance                                                                        

3. The responsibilities of the school        

4. Monitoring arrangements        

5. Links to other policies        

1. Aims

This policy aims to ensure that:

• Suitable education is arranged for pupils on roll who cannot attend school due to health needs.
• Pupils, staff and parents understand what the school is responsible for when this education is being provided by the local authority

2. Legislation and guidance

This policy reflects the requirements of the Education Act 1996.

It is also based on guidance provided by our local authority which is provided annually to the Academy, and on guidance provided by the DfE - Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions and Education for children with health needs who cannot attend school

3. The responsibilities of the academy

• We should notify the local authority when a child is absent for a period of 15 days. However, the pupil must remain on roll at the Academy. The Academy will make arrangements with the local authority to ensure that the child accesses suitable education.
• The Academy will update the IHCP (Individual Health Care Plan) as appropriate.
• In the event that there is a significant change in the condition of the child or the attendance declines, the Academy will notify the Education Welfare Service.

3.1 If the school makes arrangements

Initially, the Academy will attempt to make arrangements to deliver suitable education for children with health needs who cannot attend school.

The attendance and inclusion teams will work together to create bespoke packages for students which may include:

• Alternative provision
• Reduced timetables
• Online home learning
• Liaison with health professionals
• Liaison with the Education Welfare Officer

It is important to note that the law does not define full time education but children with health needs should have education which is equivalent to the education they would receive in the Academy.

In all cases, consultation will take place with parents and children.

On review of the child’s medical needs, an IHCP will be adapted to enable suitable reintegration to the Academy, in consultation with professionals, parents and children.

3.2 If the local authority makes arrangements

If the Academy can’t make suitable arrangements, Salford will become responsible for arranging suitable education after 15 days for these children.

After 15 days, the attendance team refers the children to Education Welfare, then we work with them and their policy to ensure children receive suitable education.

In cases where the local authority makes arrangements, the Academy will:

• Work constructively with the local authority, providers, relevant agencies and parents to ensure the best outcomes for the pupil
• Share information with the local authority and relevant health services as required
• Help make sure that the provision offered to the pupil is as effective as possible and that the child can be reintegrated back into school successfully
• When reintegration is anticipated, work with the local authority to:

• Plan for consistent provision during and after the period of education outside the school, allowing the pupil to access the same curriculum and materials that they would have used in school as far as possible

•Enable the pupil to stay in touch with school life (e.g. through newsletters, emails, invitations to school events or internet links to lessons from their school)

•Create individually tailored reintegration plans for each child returning to school

•Consider whether any reasonable adjustments need to be made.

4. Monitoring arrangements

This policy will be reviewed annually. At every review, it will be approved by the full governing council.

5. Links to other policies

This policy links to the following policies:

• Accessibility plan
• Salford Local Education Policy - supporting pupils at school with medical conditions

• Supporting Pupils With Medical Needs