Medical Tuition and Alternative Provision
Voyage Learning Campus works in partnership with North Somerset Council, schools, families and external professionals to support children and young people who are unable to access mainstream education for a range of reasons.
Alongside our wider Alternative Provision and PRU support, we also provide Medical Tuition for students whose physical or mental health needs are preventing them from attending school.
Medical Tuition: Guidance and Application Process
We recognise that supporting students who experience difficulties attending school can be complex, and we value the ongoing work schools undertake to support young people and their families. Our Medical Tuition provision is intended for students whose significant health needs prevent them from attending school, despite appropriate support and intervention from both the school and relevant health professionals.
Medical Tuition is usually considered following a graduated response over an extended period of time. This process should include regular reviews and involvement from appropriate external professionals, such as CAMHS or paediatric services. Schools will normally be expected to have explored a range of strategies to support engagement and reintegration, including alternative provision, mentoring, and other targeted interventions where appropriate.
For a referral to be considered by the Medical Tuition Panel, the following information is typically required:
- Recent supporting medical evidence from an appropriate health professional (for example, a CAMHS clinician or consultant) confirming that the student is currently unable to attend school due to their health needs. This should include details of diagnostic assessments and any ongoing interventions.
- Evidence of the graduated response implemented by the school, including interventions and support provided to promote attendance and wellbeing.
- Confirmation that the school will retain responsibility for the student’s education and will work collaboratively with the Medical Tuition service to support their learning.
Please note that our Medical Tuition provision does not usually provide education within the home. Where a young person requires long-term home-based education due to medical needs, and all of the above criteria have been met, schools may wish to consider requesting an Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment (EHCNA) on medical grounds.
Once a referral and supporting documentation have been submitted, the case will be reviewed by the Medical Tuition Panel to determine whether this provision is appropriate.
Medical Tuition Referral Form »
Supporting documentation should be emailed to [E-Mail not displayed]
Please contact us if you would like to discuss a case further or explore possible next steps through a supportive graduated response.
