A child who has health needs should have the same opportunities as their peer group, including a broad and balanced curriculum. Wherever possible, children and young people should be educated in their local school. Schools are expected to work proactively with the child or young person, their family, and relevant services to identify and meet medical and health needs through ordinarily available inclusive provision, without the need for local authority intervention. An Individual Health Care Plan may be written by the school, with you and your child, and health professionals, to ensure their needs are correctly understood and supported within the school environment
However, it is recognised that some children and young people may be unable to attend their school for a period of time. In such cases, DCC will work in partnership with schools, families, and relevant professionals to consider what further provision is required. This provision will be tailored to the child or young person’s needs, including their social, emotional, and mental health, with the aim of supporting their inclusion, wellbeing, and progress within their community. This provision may take place within their home school or elsewhere, including Devon Hospital Short Stay School, Torlands Academy, or through Alternative Education Provision. This provision is intended to be time-limited and outcome-focused. It should support children and young people to re-engage with education, with a clear expectation that, where appropriate, they will return to their home school or other suitable setting at the earliest opportunity.
If you feel your child is unable to access education due to health needs, please speak with your school in the first instance, to ensure all possible support is in place through a graduated approach. If further support is required, the school can discuss this with their Inclusion Partner.
Further information
- Guidance for schools is available on our Support for schools and settings website: accessing education for children with long-term illness.
- Devon’s policy on education for children with additional health needs: Devon County Council’s Section 19 Policy. is also available on the Support for schools and settings website.
- Guidance given to local authorities is available at GOV.UK – Education for children with needs who cannot attend school and GOV.UK – supporting pupils with medical conditions.
Useful links
- Devon’s Public Health Nursing Teams can provide lots of information, advice and support on a range of subjects.
- Emotionally based school avoidance guidance for parents
- Mental Health information and support is available from Children and Family Health Devon.