Reduced timetables: what parents should ask for in writing

A short-term, carefully planned reduced timetable can sometimes form part of an individual support plan. But an informal, open-ended arrangement that simply cuts a child’s education is not a solution. Get the plan, purpose and review arrangements in writing.

Start with the right question: what suitable education is your child receiving now, why is the arrangement needed, and what support is being put in place to meet their needs? The law entitles children of compulsory school age to a suitable full-time education; any departure should be individually justified and actively reviewed.

Ask the school for these six things

The precise days and hours your child is expected to attend, the start date and the date of the next review.
The individual reasons for the arrangement, including how your child’s health, EBSA, disability or SEN has been taken into account.
What learning and support will be provided during the missing hours, and who is responsible for it.
The adjustments, SEN Support or risk-reduction steps being tried to make attendance more sustainable.
How absences will be recorded and whether any days are being treated as exclusion, authorised absence or another category.
A named member of staff and a clear path back to suitable full-time education where that is appropriate for your child.

Why a written plan matters

A written plan makes it possible to see whether the arrangement is temporary, child-centred and making progress. It also helps everyone avoid a situation where a small number of hours becomes the default without the school, local authority or family agreeing what should happen next.

When to contact the local authority

If your child cannot access suitable education because of health needs or other circumstances, and school-based arrangements are not providing it, you may also need to ask the local authority to consider its Section 19 duty. This is separate from asking the school to explain a timetable.

Keep a simple record

Make a dated list of each shortened day, what was offered, who made the decision, your child’s response and any correspondence. Focus on facts rather than trying to prove fault. That record is useful for meetings, annual reviews and requests for further support.

This guide is general information for families in England and not legal advice.

Create a free reduced timetable challenge letter

Sources and further reading
Department for Education: Working together to improve school attendance (July 2026).
Education Act 1996, Section 7.