Tuition for children out of school
When a child cannot be in school, because they are unwell, excluded or waiting for a place, we can help you find a tutor to keep their learning going at home or online.
Who this page is for
This tuition is for council commissioners arranging education for children who are out of school, and for the schools working alongside them. If you are looking for something else, tuition for children in care is on the looked after children page, EHCP funded tuition is on the SEND page, and catch up or exam tuition your school pays for is on the schools page.
Unwell, excluded or waiting for a place
Every situation is different. A pupil who has been excluded may need tuition while a new school place is sorted out. A child who is unwell may need shorter sessions that fit around treatment and how they are feeling. A child without a school place needs teaching while the council finds the right placement. Let us know which applies, so we can plan with you.
Sessions can take place at home or online, whichever works best for the child, and the arrangements are agreed with the commissioner or the school.
Section 19 and education other than at school
Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 is the general duty on councils in England to arrange suitable education for children of compulsory school age who, because of illness, exclusion from school or another reason, would not otherwise receive suitable education. It is the duty behind most arrangements for education other than at school.
When a council or school asks us to, we can find a tutor for a child in that position.
Safeguarding
Every tutor goes through our safer recruitment checks before they meet a pupil. That includes an enhanced DBS with a children's barred list check and references, in line with Keeping children safe in education 2026.
How to find a tutor
Get in touch with the reason the pupil is out of school, their year group, the subjects and whether you would like tuition at home or online. We will look for a tutor with the right subject knowledge and an enhanced DBS, then agree with you how often the sessions run and when.
Where we arrange this tuition
We work across the North West and Yorkshire. Each area page names the local council.
Frequently asked questions
Which children is this tuition for?
Children who are out of school because they have been excluded, because they are unwell, or because they are waiting for a school place. Sessions can be at home or online, whichever suits the child. Commissioners often call this alternative provision or education other than at school.
What is Section 19?
Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 is the general duty on councils in England to arrange suitable education for children of compulsory school age who cannot attend school because of illness, exclusion or another reason.
Can a parent arrange this tuition directly?
Arranging suitable education is the council's responsibility, but parents are welcome to contact us and we will ask which council or school is involved. Commissioners and schools can get in touch through the contact form.
What checks do tutors have?
Every tutor goes through our safer recruitment checks before they meet a pupil, including an enhanced DBS with a children's barred list check and references, in line with Keeping children safe in education 2026.
Find a tutor
Council commissioning teams and schools can contact us to find a tutor. Tell us why the pupil is out of school and who is arranging their education, and we will take it from there.