If your child is ill or has special educational needs, the local education authority (LEA) has a duty to provide an education.  This can be achieved through a number of different ways, for example education at a special school, or even home teaching. 

If your child is unable to attend school, the LEA must ensure that the child:

1. is not without access to education for more than 15 working days
2. has access to education from day one of the difficulties begninning
3. receives an education of similar quality to that available in school
4. receives a minimum of five hours teaching per week