Creating a part-time timetable to support a child
A child is entitled to a full-time place in the September following their 4th birthday under DFE guidance.
In exceptional circumstances, you may need to create a part-time timetable to meet a pupil’s individual needs (e.g. a medical condition prevents a pupil from attending full-time education and a part-time timetable is considered as part of a re-integration package).
A part-time timetable should only be used as a short-term measure.
Part-time timetable hours should reflect active learning time only. This means that periods such as lunch breaks, morning breaks or any non-instructional time must not be included in the calculation of learning hours.
Any schedule that provides more than 25 hours of active learning per week is considered full-time education.
Any pastoral support programme or other agreement must have a time limit by which point the pupil is expected to attend full-time or be provided with an alternative provision.
In agreeing to a part-time timetable, a school has agreed to a pupil being absent from school for part of the week or day and you need to record it as an authorised absence. You can report this below.
Safeguarding
Section 157 and 175 of the Education Act 2007 places a duty on both us and schools to exercise their functions to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Schools must have regard and consideration for the safeguarding issues and the impact this might have on a child when considering a part-time timetable.
If there are safeguarding concerns, get advice from North Northamptonshire MASH.
Report
Ofsted confirms reporting information about children missing from education is essential and schools should notify us of any part-time education arrangements (including schools maintained by councils, academies, free schools and independent schools).
If you don't have a SAM Online account or need support using the portal, email [email protected] with your name and the name of the schools you need access to.
Last updated 04 December 2025