What is a reduced timetable?

The short answer

A reduced or part-time timetable means a pupil is receiving fewer school hours than the ordinary timetable. The exact rules differ across the UK. In England, a temporary part-time timetable for a compulsory-school-age pupil should be exceptional, in the pupil's best interests, agreed with the parent the child normally lives with, and part of a wider support, health or reintegration plan. It should not be used to manage behaviour, and it needs regular review and a proposed end date. Before agreeing, ask what barrier the reduction addresses, what education and support remain available, how absence will be recorded, who owns each action, and what evidence will guide an increase in hours.

• Ask which national and local guidance applies to the proposed arrangement.
• Record the purpose, exact hours, education, support, absence codes and proposed end date.
• Reducing hours does not itself address the reason attendance became difficult.
• Review whether the support happened and whether access improved.
• Ask the responsible authority to review statutory provision where relevant.