Part-time timetables
Children have a right to a full-time education from the September after their forth birthday. This becomes compulsory the term after their fifth birthday.
A part-time timetable is where a child may receive fewer hours in school than their peers. A part-time timetable should be rare and used only as a temporary measure. A school must have parental agreement to use a part-time timetable for a child. They must review this regularly with the aim of this returning to a full-time timetable as quickly as possible.
A part-time timetable may be used in the following circumstances:
- As part of a planned reintegration approach for children who have not attended school for a period of time. This could be due to illness, disability, mental health issues, family circumstances or suspension
- For medical reasons, when a child has a serious medical condition where recovery is the priority outcome
- As part of an in-school package of support to address disaffection
If a child has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), there should be an early annual review in consultation with the Special Educational Needs (SEN) case officer before any part-time timetable is agreed.
Before a part-time timetable is implemented, the school should undertake a risk assessment. They should set the objectives for the part-time timetable. While the child is on a part-time timetable, work should be provided for them for the hours they will not be on the school site.
Regular reviews should be scheduled during a part-time timetable. This is to ensure the agreed objectives are being met and that this remains in the child’s best interests. Any extension to a part-time timetable must be agreed by parents.
A part-time timetable should not be confused with (flexi-schooling). This is where an electively home educated pupil attends a school or college setting for part of their education.
Schools should inform us of any part-time timetables, or extensions to part-time timetables, using our contact form.
