What is flexi-schooling
Flexi-schooling describes an arrangement between a parent/carer and school where children are registered at the school in the usual way, but attend school part-time. For the rest of the time, the child is home educated.
Unlike elective home education, any agreement between parents/carers and a school for the child to be flexi-schooled is at the Head Teacher's discretion. Flexi-schooling can be a long-term arrangement or a short-term measure for a particular reason.
Flexi-schooling is also different from a temporary part-time timetable. Part-time timetables are put in place on an exceptional basis for a time-limited period for circumstances such as medical intervention or to meet a pupil's individual needs.
The decision to undertake flexi-schooling should only be considered if there are positive reasons for doing so, and where all parties agree that such an arrangement is in the best interests of the child.
Responsibility of the local authority
There is no legislation or case law that either forbids or authorises flexi-schooling. Parents/ carers are under a legal duty to ensure that any child of compulsory school age receives full-time education which is suitable for their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs that they may have, either through regular attendance at school or otherwise.
What happens in Leeds
Arrangements for flexi-schooling can only be made at the request of a parent/carer with parental responsibility. If a parent/carer is interested in making a flexi-schooling request, the Head Teacher of the child's actual or prospective school should be contacted so that the proposal may be considered.
Parents/carers do not have a legal right to have a flexi-schooling arrangement. Flexi-schooling is an arrangement between the school and the parent/carer of a registered pupil and is entered into at the complete discretion of the Head Teacher. There is no right of appeal against the decision of a Head Teacher not to agree to a flexi-schooling request.
Responsibilities of the school
The responsibility for setting up and monitoring the suitability of flexi-schooling lies with the school and not the local authority. Schools should consider a written agreement with parents/carers so that expectations and arrangements are clear. Schools must mark the register code C (authorised absence) when the pupil is learning at home during school hours, as the school has no supervisory role in the child's education at such times.
More information
Queries about flexi-schooling should be discussed with the child's school directly.
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