What is Flexi-Schooling?
Flexi-schooling is an arrangement where a child is registered at school but attends school on a part-time basis while receiving the remainder of their education at home.
The child remains on the school’s roll and parents remain responsible for the education provided during the periods when the child is not attending school.
Key Principles
- Flexi-schooling is different from Elective Home Education (EHE).
- The child remains registered at the school.
- Flexi-schooling is not an entitlement.
- Arrangements are agreed at the discretion of the Headteacher.
- The arrangement should be regularly reviewed.
- The school remains responsible for the education provided during school attendance sessions.
- Parents remain responsible for education delivered at home.
Further Information
Flexi-schooling arrangements can sometimes overlap with discussions about Elective Home Education (EHE); however, they are distinct arrangements. In a flexi-schooling arrangement, the child remains on roll at the school and attends school for agreed sessions, whereas children who are electively home educated are removed from the school roll and parents assume full responsibility for their education.
Schools considering a flexi-schooling request may find the following information helpful:
The EHE pages contain further information about parental responsibilities, providing a suitable education and alternatives to full-time school attendance.
How Does Flexi-Schooling Impact Attendance?
Where a flexi-schooling arrangement has been agreed, the pupil remains on roll at the school but is not expected to attend school for all sessions.
Schools should record sessions where the pupil is receiving education at home under the flexi-schooling arrangement using Code C (leave of absence authorised by the school). This is because the school has agreed that the pupil will not attend school during those sessions.
Schools should not record these sessions as approved off-site educational activity, as the school is not responsible for supervising the education provided at home and does not have responsibility for the pupil’s welfare during that time.
Further information on the use of Code C can be found in the Department for Education’s attendance guidance: Working Together to Improve School Attendance (paragraphs 346-351).
Recording Attendance
Schools should ensure that:
- The flexi-schooling arrangement is clearly documented.
- Attendance registers accurately reflect the agreed arrangement.
- Parents understand their responsibility for education provided during home-based sessions.
- Arrangements are reviewed regularly to ensure they continue to be in the child’s best interests.
Considering a Flexi-Schooling Request
Flexi-schooling is not an entitlement and any request should be considered on its individual merits. Schools should ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of the child and take account of:
- The child’s individual circumstances
- Educational progress and curriculum access
- Attendance patterns
- Safeguarding considerations
- Any SEND, health or wellbeing needs
- The views and wishes of the child
- The views of parents/carers
- The practical operation of the arrangement
- The impact on professional oversight and safeguarding
- Any statutory duties or legal considerations
Schools should ensure they are satisfied that the arrangement is educationally appropriate, can be safely managed, and will support the child’s overall wellbeing and progress.
Recording Decision Making
Schools may find it helpful to use a structured decision-making proforma to record their considerations. This can be shared with parents where appropriate or retained as part of the school’s internal records to support transparency and evidence the rationale for decisions if challenged.
Template available:
The proforma prompts schools to consider:
- The rationale for the final decision
- The parent’s request and rationale
- The child’s views
- Attendance and safeguarding considerations
- SEND, health and wellbeing needs
- Curriculum access and educational progress
- Risk assessment and mitigation
- Professional consultation and advice
Monitoring and Review
Schools should ensure:
- Clear written agreements are in place.
- Attendance is recorded appropriately.
- The arrangement is reviewed regularly.
- Safeguarding responsibilities are fully considered.
Related Guidance
- Attendance Guidance and Resources
- Reduced Timetables Elective Home Education (EHE)
- Keeping Children Safe in Education
- Attendance Interventions
- Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA) and Mental Health