Section 19: getting education at home when your child is too ill for school
If your child is too unwell to go to school for a long time, the council has a duty to make sure they still get an education.
What Section 19 says
Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 requires councils to arrange suitable education for children of compulsory school age who, because of illness, exclusion or otherwise, would not otherwise receive it.
DfE guidance 'Arranging education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs' says the council should act as soon as it's clear a child will be away for 15 days or more, whether in a row or added up over the year.
What provision can look like
Home tuition, the local hospital education service or medical needs team, online school, or a mix. It should be full-time unless a shorter timetable is in the child's best interests, for example because of their health.
How to ask
Write to the council's Director of Children's Services, copying in the school. Include your child's details, the number of days missed and the medical evidence you've shared. Ask them to confirm within 10 working days. Our free Section 19 letter is ready to send.
If the council doesn't respond or refuses, use its complaints process. You can then go to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.
Questions parents ask
What is Section 19 alternative provision?
It's the council's legal duty to arrange education for a child who can't attend school because of illness, usually from 15 days of absence.
Does my child need a CAMHS letter?
Councils often ask for medical evidence. A GP letter is often enough. Councils shouldn't hold off arranging education just because a CAMHS appointment is a long way off.
More guides
General information for families in England, not legal or medical advice. Checked against DfE guidance current in 2026.