ACE are the commissioned service for children that have a health need that prevents them attending school and where it is agreed that the Local Authority has a duty to provide education under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996. ACE is usually a short-term education provision that works with pupils, parents and colleagues from school, health and other services to promote a return to school alongside a personalised support and treatment plan.

The local authority has a duty to consider Section 19 duties to provide education for pupils that have a health need when they have had 15 days absence from school and where school have taken steps as detailed in the Working together to improve school attendance guidance and Mental health issues affecting a pupil’s attendance: guidance for schools with regards to early identification, support and intervention to promote attendance at school, including working with the pupil, parents and multi-agency to develop a personalised support plan.

This support is available to children from KS3 through to KS4. The aim is to ensure there is as little interruption as possible in their education during the recovery process and to facilitate a smooth transition back into their home school. However due to the nature of some of the medical issues some of these children are unable to return to school and in these cases the service prepares them for access to post-16 education. The service supports all children with both academic and life skills. It also plays a significant part in their medical recovery.

ACE is not a school therefore parents cannot apply to this provision for their child. ACE provides a part-time temporary education which can take place either in small classes or as home tuition. Pupils are encouraged to attend classes as this can also build up their confidence and social skills. Home tuition can be provided for primary and secondary pupils via the Local Authority Section 19 service.

ACE is not an Alternative Provision and is only for children who are unable to attend school for any sessions. Therefore it cannot be used to supplement education provided by the child’s home school.

This service is not a SEN provision so is unable to support pupils needs via an EHCP or be named as a provider on the EHCP. If a child is not attending school as they are waiting for an appropriate education setting to be named on their EHCP, ACE will not accept a referral. A more appropriate course of action would be to convene a review of the EHCP to consider needs and any additional support required or explore an alternative placement as appropriate.

For pupils with neurodevelopmental diagnosis there must be an overriding health issue that is preventing the pupil from attending school. This would need to be supported by CAMHS or a medical practitioner. The neurodevelopmental diagnosis is not a valid reason to refer to Section 19.

Referral pathway
The referral pathway to this service is made either by a hospital on discharge or the home school. 

• When a referral is made by the home school this will be considered by a Section 19 Panel. These take place every 2 weeks on a Tuesday.
• If there is not sufficient information/evidence to support a medical referral the home school will be asked to provide this within 4 weeks. If it is not received the referral will be archived.
• If a referral is approved a Team around the Child meeting will be arranged at ACE where all professionals working with the child will attend.
• An EHAT (Early Help Assessment Tool) document should be considered before a referral takes place. A member of staff at your child’s home school will discuss this with parents.
• A referral form must be completed by the child’s home school with supporting medical evidence.
• If the child is suffering with their mental health a CAMHS Specialist report must be completed and submitted alongside the ACE referral form.
• ACE will discuss education plans with parents and arrange for the child to embark on a part-time timetable at ACE which is located at the rear of Sandfield Park School.
• If the child a pupil is offered a cycle with ACE a review meeting will take place after approximately 6 weeks to decide on further education plans.

A tour of ACE…