Question reference: S5W-16176
- Asked by: Alexander Burnett, MSP for Aberdeenshire West, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 25 April 2018
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Current status: Answered by John Swinney on 1 May 2018
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it supports local authorities in helping young people with chronic conditions access education when they are physically or mentally unable to attend mainstream school.
Answer
The Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000 places duties on education authorities to make special arrangements for children or young people who are unable to attend school due to ill health to receive education elsewhere than at an educational establishment. This applies to all children who are unable to attend school due to ill health
In June 2015, the Scottish Government published revised guidance to education authorities to support them in implementation of their duties under this legislation. This guidance is available on the Scottish Government’s website through the following link: http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2015/06/6846/0 .
In addition, the Scottish Government has recently published guidance on Supporting children and young people with healthcare needs in schools . The guidance supports education authorities, health boards and schools in delivering their responsibilities to support pupils’ healthcare needs. This guidance is available from http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2017/12/3694 .