FLEXI SCHOOLING IN WALES: A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR PARENTS
A Learn Without Limits CIC Guide
Contents
-
Introduction
-
What flexi schooling actually is
-
What flexi schooling is not
-
The legal framework in Wales
-
Flexi schooling vs reduced timetable vs EOTAS vs home education
-
When flexi schooling is appropriate
-
Flexi schooling does not have to be forever
-
When flexi schooling is not appropriate
-
How flexi schooling benefits ALN children
-
How to request flexi schooling
-
How schools should respond
-
Flexi schooling and ALN / IDPs
-
Myths and incorrect claims
-
How to escalate an unreasonable refusal
-
Letter templates
-
Support organisations
-
Sources
1. Introduction
Flexi schooling is one of the most misunderstood areas of education in Wales.
Parents are told flexi schooling is illegal. Schools confuse it with reduced timetables.
Local authority officers sometimes misunderstand it completely.
Yet flexi schooling is legal, well established, and used by many families across Wales every year.
Learn Without Limits CIC has supported parents with flexi schooling for more than a decade.
This guide sets the record straight with clear explanations, Welsh legal references, scripts and letter templates.
2. What flexi schooling actually is
Flexi schooling is an arrangement where:
✔ the parent chooses to educate the child part time at home
✔ the child remains registered at the school
✔ the Head Teacher agrees to the arrangement
✔ the school provides part of the education
✔ the parent provides the rest
✔ attendance for home learning days is authorised
Flexi schooling is a lawful and flexible educational choice.
It is not deregistration, not EOTAS and not a reduced timetable.
3. What flexi schooling is not
Understanding what flexi schooling is not helps prevent confusion.
3.1 Not a reduced timetable
A reduced timetable is:
• initiated by the school
• temporary only
• used for short term support
• reviewed every few weeks
• intended for reintegration
Reduced timetables must never be used long term.
And they must never be presented as flexi schooling.
(See Source 4)
3.2 Not EOTAS
EOTAS is education arranged by the local authority for a child who cannot attend school.
Flexi schooling is a parental choice for children who can attend part time.
3.3 Not school directed part time attendance
A school cannot direct a parent to educate their child at home.
This is off-rolling and unlawful.
(See Source 5)
3.4 Not home education
With flexi schooling the child:
• stays on roll
• keeps their school place
• keeps ALN support
• remains within the safeguarding system
This is very different from elective home education.
4. The legal framework in Wales
4.1 Education Act 1996, Section 7
Parents must provide education “at school or otherwise.”
Flexi schooling sits within the “otherwise” category and is lawful.
4.2 Welsh Government Elective Home Education Guidance (2017)
This guidance:
✔ confirms flexi schooling is legal
✔ states it can only happen with Head Teacher agreement
✔ explains parents take responsibility for home learning
(See Source 1)
4.3 Welsh Government Attendance Guidance (2010)
This guidance states that part time attendance arrangements must be authorised and coded appropriately.
(See Source 2)
4.4 Keeping Learners Safe (2023)
Schools retain safeguarding responsibility for pupils on roll, including flexi schooled pupils.
4.5 ALN law
Flexi schooling does not remove schools duties under the ALNET Act.
IDP provision must still be delivered.
(See Source 3)
⭐ 5. Crucial clarity: A school cannot offer flexi schooling
Only parents can initiate flexi schooling.
A school may agree or refuse.
But a school may not:
✘ suggest flexi schooling to reduce attendance
✘ offer it as an alternative to ALN provision
✘ encourage parents to educate part time at home
✘ pressure families into agreeing
✘ use it to avoid providing support
If a school suggests flexi schooling, this is a safeguarding red flag and may be classed as off-rolling.
(See Source 5)
6. Flexi schooling vs reduced timetable vs EOTAS vs home education
Comparison table
| Feature | Flexi Schooling | Reduced Timetable | EOTAS | Home Education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who initiates? | Parent | School | Local Authority | Parent |
| Legal basis | Education Act s.7 | Attendance guidance | Education Act + ALN | Education Act s.7 |
| Child remains on roll? | Yes | Yes | Usually no | No |
| Attendance coding | C or B | Appropriate code | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| ALN duties | Remain with school | Remain with school | LA | No |
| Duration | Medium or long term | Short term only | Long term | Long term |
| Purpose | Improve access to education | Reintegration | Child cannot attend | Family choice |
7. When flexi schooling is appropriate
Case Study 1: Long Covid fatigue
Child suffers severe fatigue and relapses after full days.
Morning school attendance plus home learning afternoons reduces crashes and maintains progress.
Case Study 2: Autistic sensory overload
Child becomes distressed after lunch due to sensory overload.
Afternoon home learning protects wellbeing and supports engagement.
Case Study 3: PDA demand avoidance
Full school days trigger shutdowns.
Flexi schooling reduces demand pressure and increases emotional stability.
Case Study 4: ADHD child needing pacing
High focus mornings in school plus structured afternoons at home support learning consistency.
8. Flexi schooling does not have to be forever
Flexi schooling is a tool, not a lifelong identity.
Families may:
• flexi school in primary but choose full time in secondary
• flexi school during a health recovery
• use flexi schooling while waiting for ALN assessments
• return to full time school when the child feels ready
Because the child remains on roll, returning to full time schooling is straightforward and does not require re-admission.
Flexibility is the entire point of flexi schooling.
9. When flexi schooling is not appropriate
Case Study 1: Child unable to attend school at all
This is not flexi schooling.
This is medical tuition or EOTAS.
Case Study 2: School initiating flexi schooling
This is unlawful and a form of off-rolling.
Case Study 3: Unsafe or traumatising school environment
Flexi schooling hides safeguarding issues.
The correct route is an urgent IDP review or alternative placement.
Case Study 4: Year 11 without structured support
Without a strong home framework, flexi schooling can reduce exam readiness.
10. How flexi schooling benefits ALN children
• supports pacing
• reduces burnout
• protects emotional wellbeing
• enhances attendance quality
• allows therapy routines
• improves learning consistency
• reduces sensory overload
11. How to request flexi schooling
To persuade a Head Teacher, your request should:
✔ explain how flexi schooling helps your child access education
✔ link to ALN needs or health needs
✔ provide structure and reassurance
✔ clarify safeguarding arrangement
✔ demonstrate the child will continue learning
What does not work:
✘ vague requests
✘ confrontational approaches
✘ framing flexi schooling as avoidance
Schools respond best to structured, confident, evidence backed requests.
12. How schools should respond
Head Teachers must:
✔ consider the request reasonably
✔ give a written response
✔ decide based on the child’s needs
✔ provide a clear attendance plan
✔ confirm review dates
✔ update the IDP if necessary
They must not:
✘ pressure a parent to deregister
✘ misstate the law
✘ refuse for blanket policy reasons
13. Attendance coding
✔ Code C – authorised absence
Used for home learning portions of flexi schooling.
✔ Code B – approved off-site education
Sometimes used for structured home learning.
✘ Code O – unauthorised absence
Must not be used.
(See Source 2)
Why it matters:
• prevents false attendance concerns
• avoids triggering LA involvement
• ensures safeguarding clarity
14. Flexi schooling and ALN / IDPs
Flexi schooling does not reduce any ALN duty.
Schools must:
✔ continue IDP provision
✔ evidence progress
✔ review regularly
✔ include flexi schooling in the IDP if appropriate
LA oversight remains for complex needs.
15. Myths and incorrect claims
-
“Flexi schooling is illegal.” → False
-
“We do not allow it here.” → Must still consider
-
“It harms attendance.” → Coding is authorised
-
“ALN pupils cannot flexi school.” → False
-
“Safeguarding prevents it.” → Not true
-
“It must be temporary.” → False
-
“It removes IDP support.” → False
16. How to escalate unreasonable refusal
-
Chair of Governors
-
Local Authority Inclusion Lead
-
Director of Education
-
Ombudsman for maladministration
-
Tribunal if ALN rights are affected
17. Letter templates
17.1 Formal Flexi Schooling Request
Copy and paste:
Dear Head Teacher
I am writing to formally request a flexi schooling arrangement for my child. Flexi schooling is lawful under Section 7 of the Education Act, which allows parents to provide education at school or otherwise.
This request is based on my child’s individual needs. Flexi schooling will support their access to education by ensuring that they can learn safely, consistently and without distress.
I propose the following pattern of attendance:
• Days in school:
• Days learning at home:I will provide structured home learning, focused on literacy, numeracy and the subjects you recommend.
I am happy to meet to discuss how we can make this work smoothly, including attendance coding and safeguarding.
Please could you confirm your decision in writing.
Kind regards
[Name]
17.2 Informal version
Hi
I would like to explore a flexi schooling arrangement for my child. This is a parent initiated option under the Education Act and is different from a reduced timetable.I believe flexi schooling would support my child’s needs. I am happy to discuss days, structure and how we can make it work.
Thanks
[Name]
17.3 Follow Up Letter After Refusal or Delay
Dear Head Teacher
Thank you for your response about flexi schooling.
I would be grateful if you could clarify the reasons for refusal. Welsh Government guidance states that flexi schooling requests should be considered reasonably and based on individual circumstances.
Please can we meet to discuss how we can reach an arrangement that supports my child’s needs.
Kind regards
[Name]
17.4 Attendance Coding Clarification Letter
Dear Head Teacher
Thank you for confirming the flexi schooling arrangement.
Please confirm that attendance for home learning days will be recorded using Code C or Code B, as per Welsh Government attendance guidance.Kind regards
[Name]
17.5 Meeting Notes Template
Meeting attendees:
Date:
Child’s name:Key points raised by school:
Key points raised by parent:
Attendance pattern agreed:
Review date:
Actions:
18. Support organisations
Learn Without Limits CIC – Facebook Group
An independent parent peer support group in Wales, with over a decade of lived experience including flexi schooling, ALN, Long Covid, EOTAS, Elective Home Education and more.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/learnwithoutlimitscic
No comments:
Post a Comment