For many parents, the new school year starts with the shock of being told their child with SEND will be placed on a reduced timetable. Sometimes it’s one hour a day, sometimes mornings only — and often it’s presented as if you have no choice.
But here’s the truth: reduced timetables are not a long-term solution, and in many cases they are unlawful.
What is a Reduced Timetable?
A reduced timetable is when a child attends school for less than the standard school day. Schools often use it when they say a child “can’t cope” or when they don’t have the staff or resources to meet needs.
While short-term, agreed arrangements can sometimes help a child transition back into school, reduced timetables should never be:
- Imposed without your agreement.
- Left open-ended with no review.
- Used because a school lacks resources.
The Law Around Reduced Timetables
Your child has a legal right to full-time education.
- Under the Children and Families Act 2014, schools must use their best endeavours to support pupils with SEND (Section 66).
- Under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996, Local Authorities must provide suitable education for children who cannot attend school.
That means a reduced timetable can only be lawful if:
✅ It is short-term and agreed with parents.
✅ There is a clear written plan and timescale for returning to full-time education.
✅ It is regularly reviewed and genuinely in the child’s best interests.
Why Reduced Timetables Are a Red Flag
Far too often, reduced timetables are used to hide the fact that schools can’t meet needs. Instead of fixing provision, the child is simply sent home. This leaves children missing out on education and families picking up the pieces.
Long-term reduced timetables:
- Damage trust between families and schools.
- Prevent children from accessing their right to education.
- Can push parents into crisis when work and home life become impossible to balance.
What Parents Can Do
If your child has been placed on a reduced timetable:
- Ask for it in writing — including the reasons, plan, and review date.
- Challenge unlawful use — remind the school and LA of their duties under Section 66 and Section 19.
- Request an urgent EHCP review if the current provision cannot meet your child’s needs.
- Escalate if ignored — use the LA complaints process or the Local Government Ombudsman if necessary.
Final Thought
Reduced timetables might be dressed up as “support,” but for many SEND families they are a sign that the system isn’t working. Schools and LAs have legal duties to deliver full-time, suitable education. Parents don’t have to accept half-measures.
💡 Need help challenging a reduced timetable? We’ve created free template letters to help you take the first step: AskEllie.co.uk
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