If your child is struggling with their mental health and is unable to attend school, you are not alone. Thousands of families across the UK are facing the same battle — and up until now, many schools have insisted on formal medical evidence before they will make adjustments or provide alternative education. But a recent update from the Department for Education has changed everything.
You no longer need medical evidence to prove your child is struggling.
In updated statutory guidance, the Department for Education has made it clear: schools should not demand medical evidence before providing support for children experiencing school-related anxiety or mental health difficulties. This is especially important given the long waiting times for CAMHS referrals — often up to 3 or 4 years.
This new guidance overrides school policies that say a child must have a doctor’s note or CAMHS diagnosis to qualify for adjustments or off-site education. If your child is mentally unwell, schools must now respond based on need — not just paperwork.
What happens if your child has missed more than 15 days?
If your child has been out of school for 15 days or more (consecutively or cumulatively) due to mental health, illness, or anxiety — and they are not receiving any alternative education — the local authority may be failing in its legal duty under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996.
Many parents don’t realise that after 15 days, the council must provide suitable alternative education, even if it’s part-time or home-based. This applies whether your child has an EHCP or not.
How can you take action?
We’ve created a free template letter you can download and send to your local authority or school. This letter explains the law, references the updated DfE guidance, and requests that your child is given the educational support they are entitled to.
You’ll find this in our Letter Templates section:
Final Thoughts
We know how overwhelming this process can be — especially when you’re also trying to care for a child in crisis. But the law is on your side, and you do not need to wait for a diagnosis to get help. Don’t let school policies or long waiting lists delay the support your child deserves.
If you need further help, come by and see us at AskEllie.co.uk.
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