Haringey Council recognises the vital role that parents and carers play in supporting the education of children with health and medical needs. If a parent or carer has concerns that their child’s health is affecting their learning, they should first contact the child’s school to discuss how the school can effectively support the child and ensure full access to education.
Schools, through their governing bodies, must ensure that suitable arrangements are in place to support children with medical conditions, allowing them to access the same opportunities as their peers. Further guidance is available in the "Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions" document.
If it becomes evident that the child’s health needs prevent them from attending their school, the school must inform Haringey Council as soon as possible. This ensures that the council can make timely arrangements to minimise any disruption to the child’s education.
Haringey Council has a statutory duty to provide suitable alternative education for children who cannot attend school due to physical or mental health needs. This alternative provision will be of high quality and, as far as the child’s health allows, equivalent to what is provided in mainstream schools. The education provided will be tailored to the child’s age, ability, and any special educational needs.
Collaboration between the council, the school, the child, and their parents or carers is essential when planning education arrangements for children unable to attend school due to illness. Parents, carers, and, where appropriate, the child themselves, should be closely involved and consulted before any new education provision is put in place. They should also be part of discussions at key points, such as when there is a change in the child’s provision or when the child is ready to return to mainstream education.