§ Dr. KumarTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to support children's hospital schools for the hospitalised(a) over 16s and (b) children who are too ill to return home; and if he will make a statement. [22492]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisI have been asked to reply.
Local education authorities (LEAs) have a duty to provide suitable education for children of compulsory school age who cannot attend school due to illness or injury. This includes those children who are in hospital. The DfES jointly with the Department of Health published in November this year new statutory guidance "Access to education for children and young people with medical needs" which sets out minimum national standards for the education of children who are unable to attend school because of medical needs.
(a)Local education authorities (LEAs) also have the power to provide suitable education for young people over compulsory school age but under the age of 19 who cannot attend school because of illness or injury. The new guidance makes it clear that LEAs are expected to be as helpful as possible to these vulnerable young people.
The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has a duty to secure the provision of proper facilities for the education and training of 16 to 19-year-olds including those who may miss out on education due to prolonged illness. The council will work with local agencies, including social services departments, local education authorities (LEAs) and hospital schools, where packages of care and learning appear the best approach.
The Connexions Service will provide integrated information, advice, guidance and personal development opportunities for all young people aged 13–19 in England. Part of their service includes giving more in-depth support to those who are at greatest risk of not making a successful transition to adulthood.
(b)The new guidance also makes it clear that all children of compulsory school age have an entitlement to education and that they should have as much education as their medical condition allows. This includes those children in hospitals who may have terminal or recurring conditions and who may be unable to return home.