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When a child can’t attend school — whether due to anxiety, burnout, exclusion, illness, or unmet needs — families are often told nothing can be done until they secure an EHCP. That isn’t true.
Under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, your local authority has a duty to arrange suitable full-time education for any child of compulsory school age who cannot attend school, with or without an EHCP.
This free Alternative Provision Toolkit gives you the tools to hold them to that duty:
Step 1: The Guide (PDF)
Explains in plain English:
Your child’s rights under Section 19.
What “suitable education” really means.
Practical tips on evidencing your child’s needs.
How to push back when the local authority resists.
Step 2: The Editable Letter Template (Word Doc)
A ready-to-customise letter that:
Formally notifies the local authority of their Section 19 duty.
Sets out why your child cannot access school.
References key case law confirming the duty (Tandy, Kent, Wolverhampton, Redbridge, Surrey).
Requests urgent confirmation of what alternative provision will be arranged.
📄 Format: PDF (Guide) + Word (.docx) (Letter Template)
💡 Best for: Families whose child is out of school, including those still waiting for an EHCP.
Together, the guide and template give you everything you need to make a clear, legally-grounded request — and ensure your child isn’t left without the education they’re entitled to.
When a child can’t attend school — whether due to anxiety, burnout, exclusion, illness, or unmet needs — families are often told nothing can be done until they secure an EHCP. That isn’t true.
Under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, your local authority has a duty to arrange suitable full-time education for any child of compulsory school age who cannot attend school, with or without an EHCP.
This free Alternative Provision Toolkit gives you the tools to hold them to that duty:
Step 1: The Guide (PDF)
Explains in plain English:
Your child’s rights under Section 19.
What “suitable education” really means.
Practical tips on evidencing your child’s needs.
How to push back when the local authority resists.
Step 2: The Editable Letter Template (Word Doc)
A ready-to-customise letter that:
Formally notifies the local authority of their Section 19 duty.
Sets out why your child cannot access school.
References key case law confirming the duty (Tandy, Kent, Wolverhampton, Redbridge, Surrey).
Requests urgent confirmation of what alternative provision will be arranged.
📄 Format: PDF (Guide) + Word (.docx) (Letter Template)
💡 Best for: Families whose child is out of school, including those still waiting for an EHCP.
Together, the guide and template give you everything you need to make a clear, legally-grounded request — and ensure your child isn’t left without the education they’re entitled to.