Section 19 council letter

[Your name]
[Your address]
11 November 2026

Director of Children's Services
[Council name]

Dear Director,

Re: Request for alternative provision under Section 19, Education Act 1996 – [Child's name], DOB [date]

I am writing on behalf of my child, [Child's name], who is on roll at [School]. Because of illness (anxiety and emotional distress), they have been unable to attend school for [number] school days.

Medical evidence already provided: [evidence].

Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 places a duty on the local authority to arrange suitable full-time education (or part-time where that is in the child's best interests) for children of compulsory school age who, because of illness or otherwise, would not receive suitable education. DfE statutory guidance "Arranging education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs" states that the local authority should arrange provision as soon as it is clear a child will be away for 15 days or more, whether consecutive or cumulative. This duty cannot be delegated to the school.

I request that the council:
1. Confirms within 10 working days that it accepts its Section 19 duty for my child.
2. Arranges suitable provision without delay, for example home tuition, the hospital education service or an online school.
3. Names a contact officer responsible for my child's case.

Please reply in writing. If I do not receive a response I may make a formal complaint and consider other routes, including the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman.

Yours faithfully,

[Your name]