Arranging education for children who cannot attend school

Find out when the council can arrange education for children who cannot attend school because of illness, exclusion or other exceptional circumstances.

We may arrange education for children of compulsory school age who cannot attend school. This is known as Section 19 provision.

Under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, local authorities must arrange suitable education for children who cannot attend school because of:

  • illness or physical or mental health needs
  • permanent exclusion
  • other exceptional circumstances that prevent them from accessing education

Section 19 provision is not a replacement for attending school if a child is able to do so.

Who can get Section 19 provision

We may consider Section 19 provision if a child:

  • cannot attend school because of physical or mental health needs
  • has been permanently excluded from school
  • does not have a school place
  • cannot attend school because of exceptional circumstances and would otherwise miss a significant amount of education

We consider each child's circumstances and needs, as well as any evidence provided.

When we have a duty to provide education

Permanent exclusion

We have a duty to arrange suitable education from the sixth school day following a permanent exclusion.

We work with Saffron Valley Collegiate (SVC) to make sure pupils are assessed and placed in appropriate provision.

If a Croydon resident pupil is permanently excluded, the council will recover the pro-rata Average Weighted Pupil Unit (AWPU) funding.

Read more about exclusions if:

Read our AWPU policy.

Medical needs

We provide education for children who cannot attend school because of medical needs through our partnership with Saffron Valley Collegiate.

Applications must be supported by appropriate medical evidence. Decisions are based on the information provided and the child's individual circumstances.

Read about our medical provision and how to refer a child.

Children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs)

Provision may include:

  • bridging tuition
  • education otherwise than at school (EOTAS), where specified in an EHCP

Other exceptional circumstances

When considering requests outside the categories above, we will look at:

  • whether the child is on a school roll
  • the reason Section 19 provision is being requested
  • the evidence supporting the request
  • whether reasonable adjustments could enable the child to attend school
  • what support has already been provided by the school and local authority services

What schools are expected to do

Requests for Section 19 provision must be supported by appropriate evidence.

Schools should:

  • work with the child, family and relevant professionals
  • provide evidence of the child's circumstances and needs
  • show what support and adjustments have already been put in place
  • have a clear plan for reintegration where appropriate

Section 19 provision should be part of a planned and time-limited approach, not a standalone intervention.

What parents and carers are expected to do

Parents and carers should:

  • stay in regular contact with their child's school
  • provide relevant information and evidence, including medical evidence where appropriate
  • take part in planning discussions
  • support their child to engage with the agreed provision
  • tell professionals about any changes in circumstances
  • work with schools and other professionals to help remove barriers to education

What education may be provided

The education arranged must be:

  • suitable for the child's age, ability and aptitude
  • appropriate for any special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  • as full-time as the child's health and circumstances allow

Provision may include:

  • home tuition
  • online learning
  • hospital education
  • alternative provision settings
  • other tailored education arrangements

Refer a child for Section 19 provision

When we receive a referral, we will:

  • review the information and evidence provided
  • decide whether the Section 19 duty applies
  • identify suitable education where appropriate
  • review provision regularly to support progress and return to school

If you think a child may need support under Section 19, email alternative.provision@croydon.gov.uk.

Supporting guidance

You can read our: