Children who Cannot Attend School (CCAS)

CCAS Process and Multi-Agency Panel (Children who Cannot Attend School)

The panel combines and replaces the previous Medical Education Team panel and Section 19 panel, as both supported children who cannot attend school. The CCAS process and panel started in September 2023.

The process responds to cases which might meet the criteria for Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, which states:

‘Each local authority in England shall make arrangements for the provision of suitable education at school or otherwise than at school for those children of compulsory school age who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them.’

CCAS Education Engagement Officers

We employ two Education Engagement Officers aligned with CCAS, who sit within the Education Psychology Service. Their caseloads are coordinated by the CCAS Panel.

Their role is to:

• ensure children and young people are engaged in education through working in partnership with our colleagues (including EPS, the Education Engagement Teams, Worcestershire Virtual School and Social Care), schools/settings, outside agencies and families
• support children and young people and their families to navigate and engage with professionals in Education, Health and Social Care in assessing and meeting the child’s needs
• contribute to effective policies, systems and protocols to improve children and young people’s access to, and engagement with, EET

Related content:

• DfE guidance Arranging education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs
• DfE guidance a Supporting pupils with medical conditions at school
• DfE guidance on ‘Working together to improve school attendance’