Part-time timetables
This page contains guidance and clarification about the use of part-time timetables including Derby City Council's notification requirements.
Department for Education (DfE) guidance is clear that all pupils of compulsory school age are entitled to a full-time education. In very exceptional circumstances and where it is in a pupil's best interests, there may be a need for a temporary part-time timetable to meet a pupil's individual needs. For example, where a medical condition prevents a pupil from attending full-time education and a part-time timetable is considered as part of a re-integration package. The DfE guidance Working together to improve school attendance outlines clearly expectations regarding the use of part-time timetables and states: "A part-time timetable should not be used to manage a pupil's behaviour".
A part-time timetable must not be treated as a long-term solution and must have a time limit by which point the pupil is expected to attend full-time or be provided with alternative provision. There should be formal arrangements in place for regularly reviewing it with the pupil and their parents.
In agreeing to a part-time timetable, a school has agreed to a pupil being absent from school for part of the week or day and therefore must record it as authorised.
This is a safeguarding matter as every child is legally entitled to a full-time education and the law requires that children are kept safe in school. The local authority (LA) needs to be assured that schools are not placing children on part-time or re-integration timetables for longer than is necessary.
All part-time timetables must be discussed with your named EWO during your school’s Targets Support Meeting (TSM).
Derby City Council has a requirement to collect part-time timetable information from all schools.
Part-time timetable policy / guidance has been revised to help clarify the definition of part-time timetables and re-emphasise that parental consent, agency involvement and a robust multi-agency plan are an essential requirement, prior to a part-time timetable commencing. View the Derby City Council Part-time Timetable Policy.
All part-time timetables must have a risk assessment completed, and especially if you are concerned about a pupil’s welfare. For example, if they’re identified as a pupil who’s ‘in need’ or ‘looked after’, or they’re involved in or vulnerable to:
- child sexual exploitation
- substance misuse
- self-harming
- radicalisation
- other potential abuse
- criminal activity.
Discuss arrangements with children’s social care and involve your designated safeguarding lead in any decisions.
If you’re still concerned about their welfare, please try to keep your pupil in school. If they’re at risk of exclusion, follow the school behaviour policy and email any queries to iyfa@derby.gov.uk.
If you have any queries regarding the part-time timetables guidance, email iyfa@derby.gov.uk.