Who are we?

Tailor-Made Programmes (TMP) are short-term, child centred, and focused on pupils returning to school. Programmes are planned and overseen by qualified teachers. Sessions may be delivered by a teacher or teaching assistant (TA) and can be in person and/or online.

Referrals can be made to TMP from other agencies and services, and from schools where a child has been absent for more than 15 days, or who is temporarily without a school place or waiting for an agreed placement, or where there are other factors which make school attendance difficult.

What do we do?

TMP work with pupils aged 5-16 years with a range of abilities and needs. Our learners include:

  • Children or young people with complex needs.
  • Children or young people with SEMH needs.
  • Children or young people with social care or early help involvement.

Programmes are initially planned for up to 12 weeks with the possibility of extending to 24 weeks and further in exceptional circumstances. TMP may support an integration or transition into school.

TMP is committed to safeguarding and ensure risk assessments are in place for every child. Attendance, progress, and attainment are monitored and there are formal 6 weekly meetings to review the offer.

TMP may take place in the home where an adult must be present or may be arranged in school or at a library. For some children, tuition is online or virtual and there must be an adult present.

What is the legal position?

Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 (as amended):

"Each local authority shall make arrangements for the provision of suitable education at school or otherwise than at school for those children of compulsory school age who, by reason of illness, exclusion from school or otherwise, may not for any period receive suitable education unless such arrangements are made for them." Education Act 1996 (legislation.gov.uk).

The section defines suitable education as an efficient education suitable to a child's age, ability and aptitude and to any special educational needs s/he may have.

Section 19 applies to a situation in which a child cannot attend school. When a child who lives in Derbyshire is permanently excluded from school, Esteem Multi Academy Trust provides their education. In the case of child with a medical condition, their education is supported by OOST. TMP is here to support pupils who are out of school for other reasons.