Professionals: Request reduced education provision
Schools have a statutory duty to provide full-time education for all pupils according to their age, aptitude and ability, and any special needs. There is no statutory basis for routinely providing reduced education provision and, as a general principle, pupils should not be placed on a reduced timetable.
However, in very exceptional circumstances, the DfE recognise there may be a need for a temporary reduction in educational provision to meet an individual pupil's needs. Reduced timetables must only be used as a short-term intervention, not as a long-term solution.
Exceptional circumstances
Medical reasons
A reduced timetable may be considered where a pupil has a serious medical condition and recovery is the priority objective. Arrangements should form part of a wider support plan developed in consultation with relevant health professionals.
Before implementing a reduced timetable for medical reasons, schools should refer to:
- DfE guidance on education for children with health needs who cannot attend school.
- DfE guidance for supporting pupils at school with medical conditions.
Reintegration
A reduced timetable may be appropriate as part of a planned reintegration programme following a prolonged period of absence from school. Such arrangements should be time-limited and normally not exceed six weeks.
Before you apply
Before submitting a notification, schools must read the council's Reduced Education Provision guidance in EduHub and ensure that:
- the proposed reduced provision is justified by exceptional circumstances.
- the parent or carer has been fully consulted and has agreed to the arrangement.
- relevant professionals have been consulted, where appropriate.
- a reduced timetable agreement has been completed and retained securely within the pupil's record.
- appropriate risk assessments and safeguarding considerations have been completed.
You must upload the following supporting documentation with your notification:
- reduced timetable agreement
- risk assessments
- checklist for reduced timetable
If you cannot upload documents because of your school's IT or firewall settings, you can still submit your notification. Please send the supporting documents to your school's designated SPOC, who will provide them to the local authority. Please quote your notification form reference number on any correspondence.
How to apply
Once you have met the above requirements, you can submit the notification online.
The notification can be completed by an authorised member of school staff on behalf of the headteacher. Please make sure that all relevant supporting documentation is submitted with the notification.
Notification of a reduced timetable
What happens next?
The Statutory School Attendance Service will review the notification to ensure it is compliant with national and local guidance. A local authority officer will contact the school if further clarification is needed.