Alternative education provision for kids of sich from school

[katalex]

I've read on here many times that if a child is off school for more than 15 days then the LA must provide alternative education for them. My son is in year 11 and hasn't been to school since September due to poor mental health. Despite working with the school to try different strategies to get him back in, nothing has worked so far. I asked the school SENCO about the alternative provision but he said he's never heard of it and it's not something that's available to my son.

Do I need to contact the LA directly to request this? If so, which department do I need to speak to?

FYI, the LA has agreed to do an EHCNA but, if they do agree to issue an EHCP, he will probably have left school by this point, so it's not going to help with the current situation.

The duty lies with the LA, not the school. Under s.19 of the Education Act 1996 the LA must provide a suitable, full time education to compulsory school age unable to attend school. The provision must be provided as soon as it becomes clear 15 days will be missed. The days don’t have to have already been missed or consecutive.

Email the LA’s Director of Children’s Services informing them of the situation and requesting provision, finish by stating if provision isn’t provided ASAP you will be forced to begin judicial review proceedings. If that doesn’t work contact SOSSEN for help with a pre-action letter.

Thank you so much. I'll try that.