This statement explains how Surrey County Council will comply with Section 19 of the Education Act.
Section 19 says that it is the duty of the local authority to 'make arrangements for the provision of suitable education to children of compulsory school age who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school, or otherwise, may not receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them'
Page contents
- Objectives of our statement
- Identification
- Assessment and Provision
- Flexible Learning Arrangements in a Student Support Plan
- Monitoring and Review
Objectives of our statement
- To ensure that the council complies with the statutory duty outlined in Section 19 of the Education Act.
- To promote inclusivity and equal access to education for all children, regardless of their health status, special educational needs, or circumstances leading to children not receiving a suitable education.
- To facilitate the provision of high-quality educational opportunities that meets the diverse needs, abilities, and aspirations of children eligible for support.
- To foster collaboration between the council, educational institutions, healthcare providers, families, and relevant stakeholders to ensure coordinated and effective delivery of educational services to eligible children.
Identification
The council will:
- Work with a range of partners to meet Surrey County Council's statutory responsibilities under Section 19 of the Education Act to identify children not accessing a suitable, full-time education
- Work with a range of partners to identify children due to illness, exclusion, or other factors preventing regular attendance at school, are supported to access suitable, full-time education.
- Ensure comprehensive assessments that determine the individual educational needs, preferences, aspirations of eligible children are completed. These assessments will involve the young person, parents, caregivers, and relevant professionals in the process.
- In each case consider and review its duties around the enforcement of school attendance outlined in the 1996 Education Act
Assessment and Provision
The council will:
- Ensure a Student Support Plan (SSP) for each eligible child is developed. This will outline specific learning goals, accommodations, and support required for the child to be able to receive a suitable, full-time education.
- Ensure that the SSP is regularly reviewed and updated in consultation with the child, parents, educators, and other stakeholders to reflect changes in the child's educational progress and requirements.
Where it is agreed that alternative provision is required for the child to be able access education and the child is on the roll of a school, the school will lead on the assessment and development of the Student Support Plan (SSP). They will also maintain communication with the council on the progress made by the child back into full time school.
Flexible Learning Arrangements in a Student Support Plan
The offer of flexible learning arrangements, including home tutoring, online education, alternative provision, and specialised support services, to accommodate the diverse needs and preferences of eligible children may be included in the SSP
The SSP may also provide access to assistive technologies, adaptive resources, and learning materials to enhance the educational experience and engagement of children with varying abilities and learning styles.
To support this the council will provide training and professional development opportunities for educators, support staff, and relevant professionals to enhance their understanding of the educational needs, rights, and entitlements of children supported under Section 19 of the Education Act.
Monitoring and Review
The council will:
- Establish clear processes and procedures to identify children not able to access suitable, full-time education.
- Establish mechanisms for monitoring the implementation of Section 19 provision, including the number of children supported, types of educational provision offered, and outcomes achieved.
- Conduct regular reviews and evaluations of the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of educational arrangements made under Section 19, soliciting feedback from children, parents, educators, and other stakeholders to inform continuous improvement efforts.