Section 19 Guidance
Please note this guidance comes into effect from Monday 5 October 2026.
What is Section 19?
Section 19 is a statutory duty for Local Authorities. It means the local authority must arrange suitable education for a child who is unable to attend school for reasons such as illness, exclusion, or other exceptional circumstances. The aim is to make sure every child continues to learn, even when they cannot be in school.
The Section 19 duty applies to specific circumstances. It does not replace a school’s own responsibilities. Schools should stay involved throughout the process.
Guidance for Schools and Academies
We have recently updated our Section 19 policy and guidance for schools and academies. The refreshed guidance aims to give a consistent approach to applying the Section 19 duty. The guidance includes information about:
- the categories of a Section 19 request, including referral routes and information about the applicable lead service
- situations where the ‘otherwise’ category applies to a Section 19 request
- what schools must do before making a referral
- how to make a referral
- what happens after a referral is made
- what provision may be put in place following a referral
- the role of schools once Section 19 duty is being applied
- reintegration if a child is returning to school
- safeguarding considerations
- how Section 19 relates to suspensions and exclusions
- Before making a referral, schools should review the policy and guidance.
Section 19 Guidance for Schools and Academies [115.2 KB] [docx]