The Local Authority (LA) has a statutory duty under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 to provide suitable education at school or otherwise than at school for those children of compulsory school age who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school other otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them.
The Education Access Team can offer a "Request for Support" to schools where evidence indicates that the LA Section 19 duty is likely to be triggered without such intervention.
The Request for Support encompasses three referral pathways. The distinction between each referral route is summarised below:
- PRU placement - a request for a short-term placement at the Pupil Referral Unit
- Exceptional provision - a request for support through the LA's commissioned IPES framework for a pupil who is likely to trigger the LA's Section 19 threshold
- Exceptional funding - a request for an intervention or provision that is suitable to the pupil's age ability, aptitude, and any SEN that:
- cannot be guaranteed via the LA's commissioning pathways, or
- is not otherwise available via the LA's commissioning pathways
All referral pathways are intended as short-term interventions, with the aim of supporting reintegration back to the referring school.
Essex secondary schools can complete a "Request for Support" as a non-punitive approach for pupils whose needs and circumstances have made them more vulnerable in their education setting.
A Request for Support is not:
- an alternative to a permanent exclusion
- a process that leads to a permanent change of roll status
The Essex PRU Passport (EPP)
The Essex PRU Passport (EPP) provides additional information on the work that has been completed via the initial Request for Support Form. This document will become a record of secondary pupil's educational journey during their time in alternative provision at an Essex-based Pupil Referral Unit.
The EPP should be completed for pupils attending an Essex PRU via a Request for Support (RFS) or Permanent Exclusion (PEX).
The Essex Pupil Referral Units support the four quadrants of Essex:
- North-East - North East Essex Co-operative Academy (NEECA), Keys Co-operative Academy Trust
- Mid Essex - Mid Essex Co-operative Academy (MECA), Keys Co-operative Academy Trust
- South - Children's Support Services (CSS South)
- West - Moundwood Academy (Beckmead Trust)
Further information can be found on the Request for Support Guidance Document (Word, 46KB).
Download the Request for Support​​ document (Word, 133KB) and send completed forms to exclusions@essex.gov.uk