Education for children who can't attend school because of health needs

We provide a broad and balanced education for school-age children in Barnsley. This includes those who have an illness, condition or diagnosis that leads to prolonged or recurring periods of absence from school.

If your child has such an illness or condition, ask your child’s school to submit a referral to us. 

We’ll aim to provide education to suit your child’s needs within 15 working days of receiving your referral. This is providing it meets our criteria.

What your child will receive

Your child will normally get a minimum entitlement of five hours a week. This depends on medical advice and whether they’re well enough to benefit from teaching.

We'll try to encourage your child to study. We do, however try to help them notice when they're not well enough to benefit from tuition. We can increase these hours if suitable. This could be if your child's approaching a public examination.

Tuition normally takes place on a one-to-one basis in your home or in a local public venue. We’ll consider whether small group tuition or tuition via an accredited e-learning programme would be better.

Your child's school is your first point of contact. They’re responsible for submitting the referral. All schools should have a policy and named person to help pupils who are unable to attend because of medical needs.

Statutory guidance for local authorities