Understanding part-time timetables
A part-time timetable is when a child attends school for shorter periods or less days in the week.
Part-time timetables
Part-time timetables are not specifically discussed in the law, but are sometimes used by schools and nurseries to support children who are finding it difficult to attend full-time.
On this page, we discuss how part-time timetables may impact a child’s right to education and the particular impact they may have on care experienced children. We also share links to further Enquire resources that have more information and advice.
Why a part-time timetable should only be used if it is in the child’s best interests
Sometimes, a part-time timetable can support a child by offering time and space to settle into attending school full-time. For example, a child returning to school following an illness or exclusion may benefit from time to adjust back to a full timetable.
How a part-time timetable can effect children’s rights to education
A part-time timetable means that, practically, a child will be missing out on lessons and time with teaching staff. While other learning experiences should be provided for the times that a child is not at school, it’s important to reflect on how a part-time timetable could affect a child’s opportunities for learning.
Why a part-time timetable should only be used in the short-term
A part-time timetable should never be used as a long-term way of meeting a child’s needs. If a child is struggling to attend school, this is an indication that they need more or different support. Getting the right support in place can take time, but ultimately, children have the right to the support they need to be able to access their education.
🔗 For more information, have a look at our Enquire page on Part-time timetables
Care experience and part-time timetables
When planning a child’s support at school, we must always think about how that support will impact on their wellbeing. While part-time timetables can help some children, it’s important to consider the different ways that this support may affect care experienced children and young people.
The Promise Scotland is aiming to create a Scotland in which no care experienced children ever have their timetables reduced ‘to such an extent they are denied their right to education’. This means that educators, local authorities, and other adults must work together to reduce the use of part-time timetables as a way of meeting children’s needs.
If a part-time timetable is being considered for a care experienced child or young person, it’s important to consider:
Feeling included at school
Being on a part-time timetable means spending less time at school, which could affect how included a child feels within their school community.
For some care experienced children and young people, their past experiences can mean they have more difficulty building and maintaining relationships, and may be more impacted by perceived rejection.
Missing out on time at school would mean missing lessons, activities, and jokes with their friends.
Home life
When a child is on a part-time timetable, it must be decided how their learning will be supported for the times they are not at school. This might include learning online or accessing a different learning environment. When making these decisions, it’s important to consider a child’s living situation and how this might affect their ability to learn.
Does the child feel safe at home?
Do they have access to the internet and an appropriate device to work from?
Who will be at home to support them there?
Working together
Some care experienced children will have involvement in their life from a number of different adults. If a child is going to go onto a part-time timetable, all of the relevant adults must be informed so that everyone understands how it will work and the ways it may impact other aspects of their life.
More on part-time timetables
▶️ Watch the Navigate video on The difficulty with part-time timetables
🔗 Check out the Talking about part-time timetables conversation starters
🔗 Read more on our Part-time timetables Enquire page
