10. What happens if my child can't go to school?

Local education authorities must provide education for children who cannot go to school. Normally, a child cannot go to school if they:

• have been excluded;
• are ill; or
• have been injured.

The education could be, for example, at a:

• hospital school;
• pupil-referral unit;
• further education college; or
• work-experience placement.

Some children need teaching at home. If there is a problem getting this for your child, you should ask your local education authority to give you a copy of their rules for deciding who will get home teaching, and how many hours your child could receive.

The government expects all pupils who have been permanently excluded to be given full-time education after 15 school days. Sick or injured children should receive a minimum of five hours' teaching a week if they are well enough.