Part Time Timetables
All children, regardless of their circumstances, are entitled to a full-time education which is suitable to their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs they may have and schools have a statutory duty to provide full time education for all pupils. However, the DfE acknowledges there are times when there is an educational need for reduced timetables for limited periods. It is clear, that they should not be treated as a long-term plan.
Best practice with part-time timetables is to initially identify the needs using a multi-agency approach. It is important that parents and pupils are involved in the process from the very outset. A part-time table must have the consent of the parents/carers.
Ofsted takes the view that there is an obligation for all schools to notify the local authority of any part-time education arrangements. This includes schools maintained by the local authority, academies and free schools. There are well documented links between children missing education and significant safeguarding risks, including the risk of exploitation.
The Local Authority has a protocol for Learners on Part Time Timetables which requires schools to contact Phillip Painter (Education Officer - Safeguarding) prior to commencing a part time timetable. Contact details can be found in the Advice and Support Section of the handbook.
The full details of this protocol can be found below:
The Part Time Timetable notification form, which should be completed by educational settings can be found here:
Before placing any learner with an EHCP on a part time timetable it is important that in addition to contacting Phillip Painter, the school should also contact the Local Authority SEND Assessment and Review Team.