What do I do when…
The part-time timetable is dragging on
A reduced timetable can help for a short while. But weeks can quietly become months. Here’s what should be in place.
Your rights
- A part-time timetable should only be used in exceptional cases, for a short time, with your agreement and a plan to get back to full time.
- It should have a clear review date. Your child still has the right to a full-time education.
- If it’s because of health needs and your child will miss 15 or more days, the council may need to arrange education for them (Section 19).
What to do
- Write down when the timetable started and when it’s due to be reviewed.
- Ask for the plan in writing: the hours, the support, the review date and the steps back to full time.
- If the review date has passed, ask for a review meeting.
- If your child needs more support to manage full days, ask whether an EHC needs assessment or an EHCP review is needed.
How Aro helps
Aro remembers the review date for you and nudges you when it passes, with the email ready to send.
Who can help
- HertfordshireHerts SENDIASSFree, impartial advice on SEND, EHCPs and disagreements with school or the council.01992 555 847 · info@hertssendiass.org.uk
- NationalIPSEAFree, independent legal advice on SEND law, EHCPs and tribunal appeals, with model letters.
- NationalNot Fine in SchoolParent-led support and information for families of children struggling to attend school.
Official guidance
- Working together to improve school attendance (DfE)
- Arranging education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs (DfE)
This guide is general information about the law in England, written by a parent. It isn’t legal advice, and every situation is different. For advice about your child, contact SENDIASS or IPSEA. Last checked October 2026.