Arrangements for providing suitable education for children unable to attend school Summary

Published: 8 March 2025

This page summarises our full policy, which you can find on the next pages. 

Section 19

Section 19:

  • is part of a law called the Education Act 1996
  • says that Bracknell Forest Council must make sure children get a suitable education, even if they can’t be in their usual school
  • is for children who are school age (usually 5 to 16 years old)
  • talks about suitable education - this means education that fits the child’s age, ability and any special needs they have - usually, this should be full-time, in school

When the council helps

The council steps in if a child can’t get a suitable education because of:

  1. Illness: If a child is too ill to go to school and suitable arrangements are not being provided by the home school.
  2. Exclusion: If a child has been permanently excluded (expelled) from school.
  3. Otherwise: Other reasons why a child can’t go to school and the school can’t provide the right education.

What happens when a child is ill

If a child is ill, schools must try to support children with medical conditions first. They should have their own plan for this.

If a child misses 15 school days (in a row or added up over time) because of illness, the council must look into arranging education.

The council will look at each child’s situation, sometimes even without lots of medical paperwork.

The council’s Access to Education team might help arrange short-term education for children referred by schools or doctors because of illness. This needs medical support.

For other health needs, the council will work with schools and other experts to find the best support.

If a child is permanently excluded

If a child is permanently excluded:

  • the council must arrange education from the 6th school day after the exclusion
  • for older children (Key Stage 3 and 4), education is usually provided by Cranbury College
  • for younger children (Key Stage 1 and 2), the council will work with the school to sort out education
  • the old school must share information about the child’s needs
  • the aim is to help the child get back into a suitable school place

What otherwise means

Otherwise:

  • covers other situations where a child can’t reasonably get education at their school - this could be if a child has missed 10 or 15 days of school (and it’s not illness or exclusion)
  • covers children who don’t have a school place (and aren’t being home-schooled)

The council will:

  • look at each case individually
  • check what the school has already tried to do
  • aim to get the child back into school or find a permanent school place (any education arranged by the council is usually short-term)

Working together and finding more information

Children with education, health and care plans (EHCPs)

The rules can be slightly different for children with an EHCP:

  • the council responsible for the EHCP is usually responsible for arranging their education, including under Section 19
  • if a child with an EHCP can’t get the right support in a school, the council might arrange education other than at school
  • if a child with an EHCP doesn’t have a school place, the council will arrange education for them

Who does what

Parents and carers

You need to make sure your child gets an education. If the council arranges education, you should help your child use it. Keep the school updated about your child’s health.

Schools

Schools should support pupils with medical needs first. They must tell the council if a child is missing school regularly or if they think Section 19 help is needed. Schools need to provide information to the council for assessments. They will keep the child on their roll and look after safeguarding.

The council (Bracknell Forest)

The council decides if Section 19 education is needed. They assess the child’s needs and arrange suitable education if required. They aim to get children back into school as soon as possible.

How to ask for help (illness or otherwise)

To ask for help, the child’s school usually starts the process by filling in a notification form for the council.

The school should provide information about the child’s needs and what support they have already tried (like a My Support Plan).

Government guidance

For more information, you can read: