Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he's taken to support access to schooling for children with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

We are clear that all pupils with medical conditions are properly supported in school so that they can play a full and active role in school life, remain healthy, achieve their academic potential and have the same opportunities as any other child.

In September 2014, we introduced the duty to require governing bodies to make arrangements to support their pupils with medical conditions and provided statutory guidance that outlines schools’ responsibilities in this area, available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions--3.

Schools also have duties under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments and not to discriminate against disabled children, including those with long-term health conditions, in relation to their access to education and associated services. Schools must make reasonable adjustments to their practices, procedures and policies to ensure that they are not putting those with long-term health problems at a substantial disadvantage.