Medical Needs and Attendance

At Cognus, we recognise that some children and young people may experience difficulties attending school because of physical health needs, medical conditions, emotional wellbeing needs or mental health difficulties.

Schools play a vital role in ensuring that pupils with medical needs continue to access an appropriate education and receive the support they need to maintain engagement with learning wherever possible.

The London Borough of Sutton’s policy for educating children with emotional, wellbeing and health-related needs sets out how schools, families, health professionals and local services should work together to support children whose health affects their access to education.

Supporting Pupils at School with Medical Conditions

Schools have a duty to make appropriate arrangements to support pupils with medical conditions and to ensure they can access education alongside their peers wherever possible.

Medical conditions should not automatically lead to prolonged absence from education. Schools should work closely with families and relevant professionals to:

Understand the impact of the child’s health needs
Put reasonable adjustments and support in place
Maintain engagement with education
Monitor attendance and wellbeing
Review support regularly

Relevant guidance:

Emotional Wellbeing, Mental Health and Attendance

For some children and young people, attendance difficulties may be linked to emotional wellbeing or mental health needs.

Schools should consider:

The child’s individual circumstances
Emotional barriers affecting attendance
Existing support and interventions
Access to health and wellbeing services
Early intervention opportunities

The Sutton policy for children with emotional, wellbeing and health-related needs aims to ensure children receive appropriate support and access to education while wider needs are being addressed.

For further information, visit:

Attendance Support Around Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA) and Mental Health

When Attendance Becomes a Medical Needs Concern

Where a child’s health is significantly affecting school attendance, schools should ensure they have:

Followed Sutton’s Attendance Graduated Response
Reviewed attendance barriers and support already in place
Worked with parents/carers and relevant professionals
Gathered appropriate health information and evidence
Considered reasonable adjustments and support

Prior to seeking additional support, schools should ensure that attendance, wellbeing and support needs have been reviewed within a graduated and child-centred framework.

Related resource:

Attendance Graduated Response

Accessing Additional Support

Vulnerable Pupil Panel (VPP)

The Vulnerable Pupil Panel (VPP) supports schools where attendance difficulties are linked to medical needs, emotional wellbeing or mental health concerns. The panel provides multi-agency advice, guidance and support to help schools identify appropriate interventions and improve outcomes for pupils experiencing difficulties accessing education.

If you require support for children unable to access education due to their health needs please refer to the London Borough of Sutton’s policy for Educating children with emotional, wellbeing and health related needs who cannot attend school by clicking here.

Useful Resources and Guidance

National Guidance

Sutton Resources

Need Advice?

Schools requiring advice regarding attendance concerns linked to medical, wellbeing or mental health needs should contact their allocated Attendance Support Officer in the first instance.

For general attendance advice, contact: attendance@cognus.org.uk

For support that may require consideration through the Vulnerable Pupil Panel, schools should ensure they have followed the graduated response and gathered relevant evidence before making a referral.