Devon County Council has a policy for the education of children with additional needs, unable to attend school.
It describes statutory responsibilities in assessing the needs of children who are unable to attend school. It also describes how we make suitable provision to address those needs.
We work closely with medical professionals and the child’s family. We will consider the medical evidence from both clinical consultants and GPs.
The Education Inclusion Service provides more information about accessing education for children with long-term illness.
If you would like to read the guidance that is given to local authorities, it is available at GOV.UK – Education for children with needs who cannot attend school and GOV.UK – supporting pupils with medical conditions.
Education for children in hospital
The Devon Hospitals Short Stay School provides education for children whose medical needs mean they have a long stay in hospital in Devon. The school teaches on two sites:
- Bramble Unit at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter.
- Caroline Thorpe Ward at the North Devon District Hospital, Barnstaple.
This school aims to provide continuity of education and works with children, families, medical professionals and schools to do this. Specialist teachers will work with children and young people to create an individual learning plan.
Post-16 distance learning
Devon County Council has identified a provider to offer distance learning, targeting those who have a clearly defined and assessed medical need for this provision. More information about the post-16 distance learning offer for young people with medical conditions.