Role of the child's school
Whilst the local authority is responsible for ensuring that alternative education arrangements are made, pupils (except in very limited circumstances that must be agreed by the local authority and the school) remain on the roll of their school throughout their absence. The prime responsibility for their education remains with their school.
Among other things, schools are responsible for:
- referring pupils to the Pupil Support team via the local authority named officer
- working with the local authority to identify the education provision needed, the review of provision, monitoring of pupil progress, arrangements for reintegration into school
- ensuring that the pupil still feels part of the school community and maintains contact (eg providing information about school news and facilitating contact with other pupils).
- supporting their education (eg by providing access to e-learning sites, learning materials, assessment information) whilst the pupil is off school.
- providing a named contact at the school, who will have responsibility for coordinating links between the school, pupil, parents and the Pupil Support team
- making arrangements for pupils to sit Key Stage tests and public examinations
- successful reintegration back into school
Under the Children and Families Bill 2013, a new duty on governing bodies to support pupils at school with medical needs came into force in September 2014. Read the statutory guidance. This duty applies to schools, academies and pupil referral units.