Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: November 11, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet approved the Policy Statement and approach for supporting children who are unable to attend their education setting under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996.     REASONS RESOLVED: 1)     The policy aligns with the Department for Education (DfE) policy and is in line with statutory requirements under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996. 2)     The processes outlined in the policy has been developed by the Council’s school attendance service, in line with the guidance. 3)     The policy statement clearly sets out the position of the Council in respect of the Section 19 responsibility and provides clarity of expectations.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: The policy guidance document sets out the statutory process for identifying whether responsibility for education provision falls to the Council, as determined by the statutory guidance, and where a period of absence is due to reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise.