Lincolnshire’s section 19 policy

Section 19: by reason of ‘otherwise’

In Lincolnshire, there is an established local area expectation and agreement for:

  • inclusion to be embedded throughout all schools
  • a commitment to fully engage with and implement available provision and support to meet children’s needs as early as possible

Partners in education, health and social care are committed to working together to establish an integrated school system where children:

  • get the right health, care and education, in the right place, at the right time
  • are able to transition to adulthood and independence when they are ready to do so

Considering a request for alternative provision for ‘other reasons’ is part of our duty under section 19. We discharge this duty through:

  • the pupil reintegration team (PRT)
  • the special educational needs and disability (SEND) team, for children with an education, health and care (EHC) plan

This often involves parent or carer concerns that their child’s needs are not being met. Therefore, the appropriate team will lead and facilitate the work with the school and the family to:

  • assess any underlying needs
  • recommend reasonable adjustments and provision to meet those needs

This includes involving relevant professionals and agencies such as:

  • early help
  • social care
  • the working together team
  • the education welfare and engagement (EWE) team
  • mental health support and agencies
  • the quality and effectiveness team, at a strategic level

Section 436A of the Education Act 1996 requires us to make arrangements to identify, as far as possible, children who are not:

  • registered at a school
  • receiving a suitable education otherwise 

We discharge this duty through our EWE team, for children who are without a school place. For example, not registered on the roll of a school and therefore children missing education (CME). A return to school will be facilitated where possible through supporting families to apply via the in-year admissions application process. A school attendance order (SAO) will be issued in most other circumstances.

If a child is removed from a school roll to be home educated, we will assess the suitability of that education. The education must be appropriate for their:

  • age
  • ability
  • aptitude
  • special educational needs

If it is not suitable, the EWE Team will manage the process.In such cases, the child will be returned to school, either through:

  • parental choice
  • use of an SAO
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