Pupils with physical health needs
Sometimes a pupil has significant physical health needs which, despite reasonable adjustments from school, prevent them from accessing their usual place of learning for 15 school days or more. Schools should then complete a referral to the medical support panel (MSP). Though not an exhaustive list, this would include pupils who:
- have a significant physical illness
- have been an inpatient and require support upon discharge
- have had major invasive surgery
- are undergoing oncology treatment
The referral should be supported by clear detailed medical evidence from an appropriate medical professional leading on the treatment for the pupil. They should demonstrate that the pupil is unable to access suitable education at their school.
Pregnancy
It is the responsibility of schools to provide for pupils of statutory school age who become pregnant. Pregnancy is not an illness and a referral to MSP is not appropriate.
Schools should develop a care plan with the pupil to support her continuing attendance at school prior to her confinement. Pupils are entitled to 18 weeks authorised absence from school to include preparation for and after the birth.
Medical support panel
Our medical support panel (MSP) is a multi-agency panel that considers the needs of pupils. The panel decides on how ‘suitable education’ that is ‘reasonably accessible’ might be provided. This is in accordance with the LA’s Section 19 duty.
The MSP is evidence-based and will consider pupil’s needs holistically. The panel meets every two weeks during term time and considers the referral paperwork and supporting evidence. The panel includes representatives from attendance, inclusion, mental health, autism outreach, early help and Pilgrim Hospital School.
Usually, we will seek to further support and reinforce the school's own arrangements. This will help the school's ability to maintain the pupil at their substantive school.
The panel’s outcome will advise on what further steps, strategies and support school can and should be robustly implementing to ensure continued access to suitable education. One of the further steps may be access to a short-term period of dual registration with Pilgrim Hospital School. This would be a dual placement and focussed on working with the pupil’s school to support the pupil’s timely transition back to their school.
Intervention placements are agreed on an 18-week cycle with regular reviews every six weeks. It is crucial for the pupil's own mainstream school to stay in weekly contact with the pupil and family. The school should actively contribute to the support provided by the Pilgrim Hospital School.
Where a placement at Pilgrim Hospital School is deemed appropriate, within two school weeks to commence admission processes the school will contact the:
- family
- home school
- referral agency
The admission timescales allow the setting to develop a learning package suitable for the pupil's age ability and aptitude. It will take into account their health needs and any medical advice.
Referral criteria
Referrals are submitted by:
- the school where the pupil is registered or,
- an authorised officer of the LA (attendance and inclusion team or pupil reintegration team) where a CYP is not on a school roll
The basis for all referrals to MSP, including those with a EHCP, is that the pupil is unable to access their current setting. It is not because the current setting cannot provide for the pupil's needs.
In accordance with the DfE guidance the referral criteria for the MSP is:
- The pupil must have accrued 15 days absence from their usual place of learning and the school register will evidence that this is due to ill health or medical reasons.
- The referral will be supported by clear detailed medical evidence from an appropriate medical professional leading on the treatment for the pupil that demonstrates that the pupil is unable to access suitable education at their school.
or
- A review of the support and interventions implemented by the school via the EBSA pathway is required to establish if the pupil is not in receipt of a suitable education because of ill health and will not be unless the LA make such arrangements.
- The referral has been submitted by an appropriate agency:
- The school where the pupil is registered
- An authorised officer of the LA when a CYP is not on the role of a school (attendance and inclusion team or pupil reintegration team)
- A health professional, for example when a pupil is completing a period of inpatient treatment as part of their discharge arrangements
Referral process
Referrals to MSP are completed via the submission of the Request for education support – MSP referral form (available from our Professionals website). The form is submitted by:
- a pupil’s school
- an LA authorised officer (pupil reintegration team or the inclusion and attendance team) if a pupil is not on a school roll
Parent or carer consent must be sought by the referrer prior to submitting a referral to MSP. The referrer is responsible for keeping the parent or carer and the CYP updated throughout the process.
For referrals of pupils with physical health needs, clear and detailed supporting medical evidence must be included. This evidence should be from an appropriate medical professional leading on the pupil’s treatment.
Where the referral is for pupils exhibiting EBSA, the referrer must submit supporting documents from the EBSA pathway application. Where possible, this should be supported by medical evidence.
The PRT panel clerk will screen the referral. They will notify the referrer if the referral form has omissions or if there is a lack of supporting documents. The referrer will have the opportunity to provide these documents prior to the referral being considered at MSP.
The referral will be considered at the next fortnightly MSP following the deadline for submissions.
Following consideration of a referral at MSP, the referrer will receive a call from the PRT panel clerk. The call will be within 48 hours of the MSP meeting and will inform them of the outcome. The referring school will then also receive an email detailing the agreed advice and next steps provided by the panel.
The referring school or referrer can contact the PRT for a consultation post outcome to fully discuss the advice and next steps. Details relating to this are included in the outcome email.