Alternative Provision is education for children and young people who are finding attending school difficult. This might be because of exclusion, illness, or behavioural difficulties, which can include:

• Targeted early support within mainstream school
• Time-limited intensive placements in an alternative provision setting
• Longer-term placements to support return to mainstream or post-16 destination

For more information, in an easy read format, click here.

These places offer personal support and help students remain in their existing school or follow a new learning path.

All children and young people of compulsory school age are entitled to full-time education. Schools have a statutory duty to ensure that all pupils receive this.

In rare cases, pupils are put on reduced (or part-time) timetables, and this should always be with the agreement of their parent carers. There are two common ways this can happen:

• Home education: Parents teach their child at home. This can be full-time or part-time.
• A reduced (part time) timetable: The child goes to school for part of the week and learns at home for the rest.

For more information about reduced timetables is available on the IPSEA website provides click here

What does the law say about reduced (part time) timetables?

Reduced timetables can only be used in rare cases, and not for disciplinary reasons, such as:

• recovery from illness
• exceptional family circumstances
• pregnancy
• returning home from time in custody
• to meet a pupil's individual needs.

Reduced timetables should be agreed upon with the pupil, parents or carers, and in some cases with the local authority.

Working together to improve school attendance, provides statutory guidance, click here for more information.

What is the process for reduced timetables?

A part-time timetable should be agreed by the school and the parent carer the child/young person normally lives with, as a temporary arrangement.

Regular review dates will be agreed, which include the child/young person and their parent carers. A proposed end date will also be agreed, which can be extended as part of the regular review process.

Where the child/young person has a social worker, the school is expected to keep them informed and involved in the process.

If the child/young person has an Education Health and Care (EHC) plan, the school should discuss the part-time timetable with the relevant Education Health Care Co-ordinator (EHCCO) at BCP so that any support package that is in place can be reviewed as swiftly as possible.

In agreeing to a part-time timetable, a school has agreed to a child/young person being absent from school for part of the week or day and therefore must record the absence accordingly, in other words, as authorised.

How long should a reduced timetable be used for?

A reduced timetable must not be treated as a permanent or long-term plan.

• Typically, a reduced timetable should be no longer than 6 to 8 weeks.
• Schools should have a reintegration support plan in place to ensure the child/young person returns to full-time education as soon as possible.
• The arrangement should always include an end-date by when it is expected that the child/young person will return to full-time education
• It should be reviewed regularly, to consider any changes to the child’s circumstances.

What does a reduced timetable mean for my child?

A temporary reduced timetable can be a valuable tool in supporting a child who may be struggling with medical or emotional challenges. By temporarily reducing the academic load, it allows the child to focus on their wellbeing and gradually build resilience. This approach can prevent overwhelming stress and aid a more manageable transition back to full-time education.

It is crucial for families and schools to work together closely during this period. Together, families and schools can develop a tailored plan that supports the child’s return to full-time education, fostering a positive and supportive environment. For your child, a reduced timetable means receiving the necessary support to address their specific needs while working towards a smooth and successful return to their regular school routine.

You can find out more about part-time timetables on the IPSEA website on this link.

The Inclusion Team at BCP Council helps children and young people who can’t go to school because of medical problems. We support their learning in a way that works for them.

Our goal is to help them keep learning and get back to school life when they are ready.

Who do we support? 

We support pupils of statutory school age (5 - 16 years old, or up to 25 years old with an EHCP) who are residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area who are unable to attend school due to illness.

What is the referral process for school absence due to medical reasons?

For children or young people with medical needs, referrals are made by the schools. The referral should include:

• Parent views
• Child views
• Signed parental consent
• Copy of school reduced timetable, in line with BCP guidance on reduced timetables
• Copy of the Assess, Plan, Do, Review cycle
• Copy of the current treatment plan and the named medical contact
• Any special educational needs information

A referral can only be made by the school and only if they have authorised your child's or young person’s non-attendance. If the school does not authorise your child's or young person’s absence, you will need to refer to your school's attendance policy. All referrals are reviewed by a multi-agency panel.

If your child or young person has an Education Health and Care Plan, the school will contact the relevant Education Heath and Care Coordinator (EHCCO).

Independent organisations who can help 

If you would like to seek some support yourself, there are some organisations you can try.

KOOTH provides an online mental health and wellbeing service for children and young people within the 10-to-25-year age range. Access is free, safe and anonymous.

SENDiass4BCP Provide free, impartial, and confidential information, advice and support to parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Click here for more information.

Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) Provide free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Click here for more information.

Elective Home Education (EHE) means you choose to teach your child or young person at home instead of sending them to school. If you want to home educate your child or young person, or you already do and have worries about their learning and development please email: ehe@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. The EHE team can:

• Give you advice
• Visit your home to talk about your situation
• Help you find the best way forward for your child’s education

The EHE team knows a lot about home education, but they are not experts in every type of special educational need. So, it’s a good idea to also speak to a doctor or specialist if your child has extra needs. For further areas of support please see Elective home education (EHE) page information.

There are different types of exclusion, which can be:

• a suspension: a pupil is not allowed to go to school for a set amount of days - from half a day to a maximum of 45 days in one school year.
• a permanent exclusion: a pupil is removed from the school roll (the official school register) and are not allowed to return (what used to be called ‘expelled’).

Internal exclusions are where a child is removed from their normal lessons for a period of time and work in a space away from their class. Internal exclusions are not subject to the same rules as external exclusions

For more information see School Exclusion and Suspension

School Inclusion Service at BCP Council Telephone: 01202 093123, e-mail: schoolinclusion@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

SEND Statutory Services Team at BCP Council Contact information: Telephone: 01202 128880 or e-mail at SENDbso@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

If you would like to seek some support yourself, there are some organisations you can try.

KOOTH provides an online mental health and wellbeing service for children and young people within the 10-to-25-year age range. Access is free, safe and anonymous.

Young Minds Provide help and advice to parents and carers who are worried about their child’s mental health through their Parents Helpline; and provides advice and information to young people on their website

SENDiass4BCP Provide free, impartial, and confidential information, advice and support to parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Click here for more information.

Independent Provider of Special Education Advice (IPSEA) (Link provided)

Provide free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Click here for more information.