Funding
The guidance “Arranging education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs” (DfE, December 2023) explains how schools and local authorities should help children who cannot attend school because of physical or mental health issues.
Key Points
- Local authorities must follow this guidance when arranging education under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996.
- The child’s home school should stay involved, helping with learning and supporting reintegration when the child is well enough.
- Alternative provision for medical needs is funded by the local authority’s High Needs budget.
Funding
If a child stays on their school roll but needs alternative provision:
- The local authority and school may agree to transfer some school funding to the alternative provision, so the funding follows the child.
- This stops when the child returns to school or leaves the roll.
The local authority will recoup AWPU, Pupil Premium, and High Needs top-up funding for pupils where it directly commissions alternative provision.
- Only these amounts are recouped, not the full cost.
- Recoupment ends when the child returns to school.
Referral Process
To request Section 19 support, schools must email educationcoreoffer@staffordshire.gov.uk with:
- Referral form
- Signed attendance register
- Health and care plan
- Supporting evidence
From January 2025, referrals will be through Staffordshire Learning Net.
Schools must provide a purchase order number for charging. If not, the reference will use LAAP and the pupil’s UPN (e.g., LAAP-A860123400000).
The AV1 remote learning device is currently offered at no cost.
