Flexi-schooling

Flexi-schooling is an arrangement that a parent/carer can request for providing a full-time education to a child. Under this type of arrangement, the child attends school part of the time and is educated elsewhere, usually by the parent/carer for the rest of the time.

Flexi-schooling is not the same as home schooling/elective home education. Parent/carers who request flexi-schooling are asking for a pattern of provision which will involve both attendance at school, as well as times when the child will receive educational provision at home, provided by parents.

Flexi-schooling is also different from temporary part-time timetables. Part-time timetables and arrangements are monitored and reviewed with the intention that the child be returned to full-time attendance as soon as possible.

Advice for schools/academies, parents/carers and professionals

Whilst agreement over a flexi-schooling arrangement is something for schools and parents to reach between them, the local authority has produced this information sheet that sets out the facts and established best practice in approaching this aspect of school attendance.

Any decisions should be made with the needs of the child at the centre of the decision making with the school and parents working together in the best interest of the child.