Teaching is provided on the Children's Wards of hospitals for those children who are well enough, but medical treatment takes precedence. When a child is discharged from hospital but is unable to return to school for some time, we can make a request for tuition at home. This is provided on medical ground and must be approved by the Local Education Authority.

Provision of advice to schools, parents and children on prevention and dealing with head lice

A parenting contract is intended to provide parents/carers of an excluded child with the support they need and to encourage a positive joint working relationship between school and the parents/carers to address the poor behaviour in school that has led to exclusion. The contract is a two-way, formal written agreement between a parent/carer and the governing body of a school (usually delegated to the headteacher) or the local authority. The contract is a voluntary agreement. A parent/carer cannot be compelled to enter into a parenting contract. Equally, there is no obligation on the governing body of a school or local authority to offer a parenting contract.

Educational psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers can offer an assessment, advice and support to parents and teachers where there is a concern about the development, learning or behaviour of children.

Schools and the education authority monitor absence and lateness and work with families and young people where the level of absence is giving cause for concern. In England this is done through the Attendance Advisory Service (formerly the Education Social Work Service) The AAS is the link between home and school.

Schools have a duty to provide a paid meal on request and a free meal to those that are eligible. Nutritional standards are defined by Central Government and under central management the Local Education Authority must use the same menu and price in every school.

Schools are required to maintain a safe and suitable physical environment both inside and outside school buildings at all times for the welfare of their pupils and staff.

Promotion of a healthy living environment for pupils and staff. Health promotion addresses issues such as exercise, substances, emotional health and well-being, safety, sexual health and relationships and nutrition.

School nurses provide confidential health advice for children and young people, reviewing the health of the school population and working with schools to create an environment that promotes healthy living.

Teachers or other non-teaching staff may be required to administer medication or supervise a pupil taking it. There is no legal requirement for teachers to administer medication however they are required to ensure the health and safety of all pupils in their care which may therefore extend to administering medication.

Schools and the LEA should provide information and advice aimed at getting more teenage parents into education, training or employment, to reduce the risk of long term social exclusion.