Medical Needs Education is the commissioned service for children that have a health need that prevents them attending school and where it is agreed that the Local Authority has a duty to provide education under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996. This is a short-term education provision that works with pupils, parents and colleagues from school, health and other services to promote a return to school alongside a personalised support and treatment plan.

The local authority has a duty to consider Section 19 duties to provide education for pupils that have a health need when they have had 15 days absence from school and where school have taken steps as detailed in the Working together to improve school attendance guidance and Mental health issues affecting a pupil’s attendance: guidance for schools with regards to early identification, support and intervention to promote attendance at school, including working with the pupil, parents and multi-agency to develop a personalised support plan.

This support is available to children from KS1 through to KS4. The aim is to ensure there is as little interruption as possible in a child’s education during the recovery process and to facilitate a smooth transition back into the home school. However due to the child’s age or nature of some of the medical issues some children are unable to return to school and in these cases the service prepares them for access to post-16 education. The service supports all children with both academic and life skills. It also plays a significant part in their medical recovery.

Referrals to Section 19 must be made in order for support to be considered and put in place. ACE provides a part-time education which takes place in small classes at our base at Sandfield Park School. The Bridge provides part-time education in our base at Ronald McDonald House. Pupils are encouraged to attend classes as this can also build up their confidence and social skills. Home tuition can be provided for primary and secondary pupils who are housebound.

Medical Needs Education is not an Alternative Provision and is only for children who are unable to attend school. Therefore it cannot be used to supplement education provided by the child’s home school.

This service is not a SEN provision so is unable to support pupils needs via an EHCP or be named as a provider on the EHCP. If a child is not attending school as they are waiting for an appropriate education setting to be named on their EHCP the appropriate course of action would be to convene a review of the EHCP to consider needs and any additional support required or explore an alternative placement as appropriate.

For pupils with neurodevelopmental diagnosis there must be an overriding health issue that is preventing the pupil from attending school. This would need to be supported by CAMHS or a medical practitioner. The neurodevelopmental diagnosis is not a valid reason to refer to Section 19.

Referral pathway
The referral pathway to this service is made either by a hospital on discharge or the home school. 

• When a referral is made by the home school this will be considered by a Section 19 Panel. These take place every 2 weeks.
• If there is not sufficient information/evidence to support a medical referral the home school will be asked to provide this within 4 weeks. If it is not received the referral will be archived.
• School must demonstrate support offered to pupils and families prior to completing a referral for Section19 education.
• If a referral is approved an Education Planning meeting will be arranged by the home school
• A Team around the Child meeting will be then be arranged at ACE, The Bridge or in the home where all professionals working with the child will attend.
• Education plans will be discussed with parents for the child to embark on a part-time timetable.
• A review meeting will take place after approximately 6 weeks to decide on further education plans.

A tour of ACE…