Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 11 January 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 January 2010. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Monday, 25 January 2010 on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Pupils: Absenteeism

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what his policy is on the recording in statistics on absenteeism those children who are receiving treatment, in hospital or at home, for illness or injury; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: [holding answer 14 January 2010]: Where a child is absent from school due to illness or injury then their absence will be recorded in the school register as an authorised absence. It is good practice for schools to monitor and escalate any concerns about high levels of absence due to illness or injury.Children with long term illnesses and other medical conditions may need additional support to continue their education, such as home tuition provided by the local authority or attendance at hospital schools. This should be tailored to suit the child's individual needs. Where such an education is provided schools can record those sessions as an approved educational activity and not as an absence.

Secondary information