Inclusion

Education for children who cannot attend school

Devon County Council’s roles and responsibilities

Every child should have the best possible start in life through a high-quality education, which allows them to achieve their full potential.

Every child in Devon deserves the best possible start in life through a high‑quality education that helps them reach their full potential.

A child who has health needs should have the same opportunities as their peer group, including a broad and balanced curriculum. In most circumstances, the child or young person’s needs should be met by their school through reasonable adjustments or targeted support that supports their attendance and engagement in school life. This may include the use of an individual health care plan, a short term part time timetable, or a personalised plan of support, reviewed through a graduated approach of assess, plan, do, review.

Some children are unable to attend school for a period of time because of health needs, or other exceptional circumstances. When this happens, Devon County Council has legal responsibilities under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to ensure those children continue to receive a suitable education. Our responsibility begins when it is clear that, without additional arrangements, a child would be out of education for 15 or more school days, either in a row or over time.

Section 19 provision is intended as a short term intervention to maintain continuity of learning and wellbeing  for a pupil while they are unable to attend school, with the primary aim of enabling a smooth and successful reintegration back into their educational placement.

Devon County Council’s approach is set out in the Section 19 Policy, which explains in more detail how decisions are made and how support is arranged.

Before making a Section 19 referral, it is important that schools seek advice, support and signposting from either their Inclusion Partner or through the Locality Drop-in sessions. 

Useful documents

Resources

Useful websites