Pupils with Medical Needs

School's Duties

On the 1st September 2016 a duty came into force for governing bodies to make arrangements to support pupils at school with medical conditions. Department for Education Statutory Guidance for governing bodies of maintained schools and proprietors of academies in England 'Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions' (2015) is intended to help governing bodies meet their legal responsibilities.  

The aim is to ensure that all children with medical conditions, in terms of both physical and mental health, are properly supported in school so that they can play a full and active role in school life, remain healthy and achieve their academic potential. Governing bodies must ensure that arrangements they put in place are sufficient to meet their statutory responsibilities and should ensure that policies, plans, procedures and systems are properly and effectively implemented.  

Local Authority Duties  

Under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 Local Authorities have a responsibility for arranging the education for pupils who cannot attend school due to health needs. The duty is outline further in Statutory Guidance: 'Supporting pupils at school with medical conditions' (2015, DfE) and 'Ensuring a good education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs' (2013, DFE)  

In accordance with the Department for Education Statutory Guidance 'Ensuring a good education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs' (May 2013) alternative provision and the framework surrounding it should offer good quality education on par with that of mainstream schooling, along with the support pupils need to overcome barriers to attainment. This support should meet a pupil's individual needs, including social and emotional needs, and enable them to thrive and prosper in the education system.  

For children who are registered at a school but cannot attend school because of medical or mental health needs or pregnancy, the Exclusions Team will predominantly provide an alternative provision through the Pupil Support Team, who through their blended learning plans may also supplement with other alternative learning platforms and provisions.