Serious illness can affect your child's education. Support is available for children who cannot go to school because of a poor health condition.
SCHOOL AND ILLNESS: Your local council and your child's school both have responsibilities.
This section explains how the authorities handle the educational needs of sick children during their time at school.
Maintained schools, pupil referral units, and the majority of academies have special policies for supporting pupils with medical conditions.
So, where can you get more help on illness and your child's education? You can request permission to see the school's policy.
Their policy explains how they support children through schooling days even when they have severe medical conditions.
What if your child has health issues or special medical need? You (or a healthcare professional) should inform the school administration staff.
Schools have to make 'reasonable adjustments' for children with a disability. They must ensure children are not discriminated against during their education.
According to the law in the United Kingdom schools must provide an appropriate space for:
Note: As a rule, this means having two separate rooms with a sink and access to a toilet in each room.
What if your child cannot attend school because of their injury or illness? Schools and regional councils provide support for pupils with a medical condition. Their policies ensure your child's illness and education does not suffer 'unnecessarily'.
To address illness and your child's education the school should:
The main role of the council is to offer your child as normal a full-time education as possible. This is especially important if they are likely be away from school for a long time. But, depending on the health needs of the child, they can also arrange for part time education. This may include:
To address illness and children's education the local council should:
Rules for Illness and Your Child's Education in the United Kingdom