Education Policies and Guidelines in the UK

ENGLAND - National statutory guidelines 'Access to Education for Children and Young People with Medical Needs' set out recommendations for the education of sick children. (http://publications.teachernet.gov.uk/default.aspx?PageFunction=productdetails&PageMode=publications&ProductId=DFES+0732%2f2001&%E2%80%9D or phone the  DCSF on 0870 000 2288). In paragraph 2.2, the guidelines say each Local Education Authority should have its own policy document which should demonstrate how these guidelines are to be implemented locally. This written policy should be freely available to members of the public from their local County Hall.

SCOTLAND - 'Guidance on Education of Children Absent from School Through Ill-Health' offers guidance to education authorities to draw up policies in the light of their statutory duty to make special arrangements for children who, for health reasons, are unable to attend school (www.scotland.gov.uk or phone Scottish Executive 0131 2447847). Local policies should be available from the Local Council.

WALES - Circular 57/94 'The Education of Sick Children' sets out recommendations for arrangements to be made by Local Education Authorities (LEA) for the provision of education for sick children (www.wales.gov.uk or phone National Assembly for Wales 02920 825111). Local policies should be available from LEAs.

NORTHERN IRELAND - Whilst there are no published guidelines, each Education and Library Board should have a local policy on the education of sick children. These policies should be available from the Special Education Officer from each Board.
Belfast Education and Library Board - (028) 9056 4000
Western Education and Library Board - (028) 8241 1411
North Eastern Education and Library Board (028) 2565 3333
South Eastern Education and Library Board (028) 9056 6200
Southern Education and Library Board - (028) 3751 2200

Article last edited on Thursday 12th August 2010                          Printable Version