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Tameside MBC is committed to providing a good education to all pupils regardless of circumstances or settings.  Where possible, schools should continue to provide education to children with health needs who can attend school.  When a child is already attending school, there is a range of circumstances where their health needs can and should be managed by the school so that they can continue to be educated there without the need for the intervention of the local authority.

However, it is recognised that in some circumstances that is not possible. Where a pupil is unable to attend school for medical reasons, the local authority will work alongside schools, health professionals, parents/carers and young people to provide an alternative provision which will meet a pupil’s individual needs to enable them to thrive and prosper in the education system.

In Tameside, provision for such cases will be considered by a case management panel on an individual basis.



 
Tameside MBC Section 19 Policy 2026

Tameside MBC Section 19 Policy 2026

 

Actions to be Taken

 

For school referrals: 
 
Please refer to the medical needs protocol for information before completing a referral. Schools are required to ensure that they have fulfilled their statutory duties and considered relevant guidance relating to pupils with medical and mental health conditions.

Please ensure the referral form is completed fully. Referrals will be returned where the form has not been signed by the parent/carer and where appropriate, by the young person. 


For further advice and to forward referral forms and relevant documentation please email medicalenquiries@tameside.gov.uk


For parents/carers: 
 
If you are the parent/carer of a child who is unable to attend school due to a medical condition, you are advised to contact your child’s school to discuss your concerns in the first instance. Your school may submit a medical referral where it is considered appropriate. If you require further advice please contact medicalenquiries@tameside.gov.uk or telephone Education Welfare on 0161 342 2112


Professionals and other agencies: 
If you are a professional with concerns about a child who is unable to attend school due to their medical needs, you should liaise with the child’s school in the first instance. If you have any questions, please email medicalenquiries@tameside.gov.uk or telephone Education Welfare on 0161 342 2112 for further advice.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

Referrals should be submitted to the local authority for the area in which the child lives. 
Please ensure that the child is a Tameside resident before completing a referral. 
 

Section 19 Medical Referral Form

Section 19 Medical Referral Form

 


Please ensure that you have discussed the referral with the child’s parent/carer and have asked them to complete the parental consent form
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