Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance she provides to local authorities, schools and colleges on helping child survivors of cancer and leukaemia to return to education.

The Department for Education provides statutory guidance for schools and academies about their duties in relation to supporting compulsory school age pupils with medical conditions, including those who are survivors of cancer and leukaemia. This is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/484418/supporting-pupils-at-school-with-medical-conditions.pdf

We also provide statutory guidance for local authorities to ensure a good education for children who cannot attend school because of health needs, including cancer and leukaemia. Local authorities are responsible for arranging suitable full-time education for children of compulsory school age who, because of such illness, would not receive suitable education without such provision. This is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/269469/health_needs_guidance__-_revised_may_2013_final.pdf

We emphasise in the SEN Code of Practice that long-term health conditions such as cancer are subject to the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. Where they require special educational provision, they are also covered by the SEN definition and duties.