Part time timetables guidance

The Attendance Support Service has published new guidance to set out the process for all schools to notify the local authority when a child is placed on a part time school timetable.

Compulsory school age children are entitled to a full time and suitable education, but in very exceptional circumstances there may be a need for a temporary part time timetable to meet a pupil’s individual needs. For example where a medical condition prevents a pupil from attending full time education and a part-time timetable is considered as part of a reintegration package.

Anyone who comes into contact with children and their families has a role to play in safeguarding children as described in statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children.

Current guidance from Ofsted states that information about children missing from education is essential and all schools should notify the Local Authority of any part-time education arrangements.

This includes schools maintained by

• local authorities
• academies
• free schools
• independent schools

Where there are wider concerns about the safety of a child, schools and professional bodies may wish to refer directly to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub.