Short term absences
Schools and settings can be flexible when supporting absences for health reasons. For shorter term absences, they could:
- provide handouts for any lessons missed
- record lessons
- offer catch up sessions
- lower homework expectations
- make use of ICT and online learning
Your school should also:
- maintain contact with the child or young person
- work proactively to support a return to school
Longer term absences
Schools must have a written policy explaining what they will do to support pupils who cannot attend school for more than 15 days due to a medical condition.
There is government guidance about ensuring a good education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs on gov.uk.
Schools, Locality Inclusion Teams and Health Services will work together to support these children and young people. We are committed to helping those with both physical and mental health needs access as much education as their condition allows. Please contact your school or your locality support team if you require support and they can discuss options with you.
These options include AV1 and Learning Centres, and alternative provision.
AV1
Schools can hire an AV1 distance learning robot from Dorset Council. The AV1 sits in the classroom in the place of a child or young person. It live streams the lesson to a device, such as an iPad, in the home. This means that children and young people can continue to take part in school life, even when they’re physically unable to attend. Further information about the AV1 is available on the No Isolation website.
Learning Centres
We have four Learning Centres in Dorset who can offer placements to a small number of children and young people who cannot attend school due to physical or mental health needs.
Hospital tuition
When a child or young person is admitted as an in-patient at Dorset County Hospital, they will be provided with hospital tuition. Dorset Council Children's Services and Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust provide this. They employ staff to respond to educational needs across all age groups.