What the Team Does

The Inclusion and Reintegration Team:

• Considers referrals for pupils who are unable to access their usual educational setting due to medical needs or other exceptional circumstances.
• Assesses whether the Local Authority's Section 19 duty is engaged.
• Works in partnership with schools, families, health professionals and other agencies to identify appropriate educational provision.
• Supports reintegration back into school wherever possible.
• Monitors and reviews provision to ensure that children and young people continue to receive suitable education in line with their needs.

Referral Process

A referral must be submitted to the Inclusion and Reintegration Team by the child's school or educational setting.

Referrals should include:

• A completed referral form.
• Supporting medical evidence from an appropriate healthcare professional where the referral relates to health needs.
• Information regarding the support and reasonable adjustments already considered or implemented by the school.
• Details of the child's current attendance and educational needs.

The provision of medical evidence is essential to enable the Local Authority to determine whether a child meets the criteria for consideration under its Section 19 responsibilities.

Decision Making

Each referral is considered on an individual basis. The submission of a referral does not automatically result in alternative provision being agreed. Decisions are made following consideration of the evidence provided, the child's circumstances, and the Local Authority's statutory duties.

Key Aim

The primary aim of the Inclusion and Reintegration Team is to ensure that children and young people who are temporarily unable to access their education receive timely support and maintain engagement in learning, while facilitating a successful return to school wherever possible.

Please email : IR@walthamforest.gov.uk for more information