Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of a life-threatening or terminal illness on children’s school attendance, attainment and wellbeing, whether they are the affected child or their sibling.

The department recognises that a life‑threatening or terminal illness can have a significant impact on children’s attendance, attainment and wellbeing, both for those directly affected and for their siblings.

The department does not hold specific data on the impact of such illnesses on pupils’ attendance, attainment or wellbeing. However, we are clear that children whose education is affected by health needs or family circumstances should receive appropriate support to remain engaged in learning.

The statutory guidance ‘Arranging education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs’ is clear that local authorities must arrange suitable education for children of compulsory school age who cannot attend school due to ill health. Schools are also expected to provide pastoral support, make reasonable adjustments, and support pupils’ mental health and wellbeing. This includes a holistic approach to supporting pupils affected by the serious illness of a family member, including siblings. The full guidance is available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/657995f0254aaa000d050bff/Arranging_education_for_children_who_cannot_attend_school_because_of_health_needs.pdf.