Disruption to school because of acute or chronic illness can have a significant impact on children’s social, emotional and educational development.

Schools have a duty to support access of education if a child is in hospital or unable to go back to school following a stay in hospital. A health condition could also mean repeated short or long periods when attending school just isn't possible. Sometimes part-time attendance is the most that students can manage.

Whatever the disruption it is vital that schools do all they can to give a child or young person the best possible chance of continuing their education. 

Talking to your child’s school

• Talk to school as soon as possible about your child’s medical or mental health condition so they can learn more about its impact on managing day to day.
• Arrange to meet with school to draw up an Individual Health Care Plan 
  
• Involve your child or young person when talking to school. Their views are very important when plans are being discussed and agreed.
• If your child is in hospital or an admission is planned, ask the school to liaise with hospital teaching staff about sending schoolwork.
• Ask school to let you and your child know about school news and events when they're absent. Children like to know what is going on even if they are unable to attend. 

• Talk to the your child's class teacher or form tutor. They will see your child everyday and are generally the first point of contact for most things.
• Talking to the school SENDCO is important . They will be responsible for coordinating an Individual Health Care Plan. The can also inform key staff of any reasonable adjustments that need to be made. They will also arrange access arrangements for exams if these are needed. 
• Some hospitals have a Clinical Nurse Specialist or a Psychologist who can meet with school staff to help them understand the needs of children and young people living with specific chronic medical conditions. Ask about this service before leaving the hospital or at an outpatient clinic.
• If you are finding it difficult to talk to school or need support, your local SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIAS) can help. You can find out how to contact them in the link below.