Reduced timetables

About reduced timetables

Reduced timetables are commonly referred to as ‘part-time timetables’. This means a child or young person does not attend school for a full school day. Reduced timetables are different to an agreed flexi schooling arrangement with their school or those who get home tuition due to medical conditions or other needs.   

The law

All children of compulsory school age are entitled to receive a full-time education suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs they may have.

Every school has a legal responsibility to provide full-time education for all its pupils.

When reduced timetables can be used

Reduced timetables for your child should be an ‘exceptional measure’. They can only be arranged with parental agreement.  Reasons for agreeing to a reduced timetable could include:

• medical reasons where a child has a serious medical condition where recovery is the priority outcome.
• as part of a short-term support package where a child is struggling in the school setting and extra time is needed for that young person to settle
• as a result of a reintegration into school following trauma

School responsibilities

Schools have to:

• consult the guidance notes issued by the local authority
• seek your agreement before your child attends on a reduced timetable
• complete a risk assessment prior to the reduced timetable coming into effect, including how a reduced timetable could impact on family life and employment
• develop a reintegration plan between the young person, parent/s or carer/s and the school
• review reintegration plans at least every two weeks and should be in place for the least time possible (no more than 8 weeks)
• use the correct register code when completing the daily attendance register

Children and young people with Educational, Health and Care Plans

A part-time timetable should only be used for a pupil with an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP) in very limited circumstances.  The Local Authority has to be consulted by the school and must agree to the proposal before it can be implemented. A young person with an EHCP should not be put onto a part-time timetable because of their special educational need, as this may constitute discrimination.

Where to get help

SENDIASS is the local information, advice and support service for children and young people with SEND and their families. SENDIASS is run by the local charity Amaze.

Get support or advice relating to your child's attendance at school, or Special educational needs and disabilities.

If you are unsure, or you need further advice, contact the Hidden Children Team.