MORE options are on the table for youngsters in South Craven unable to attend school for medical reasons.

North Yorkshire County Council has drawn-up a series of proposals as part of a review of its medical education service.

Now the public is being invited to give its views on the plans, which the authority says aim to ensure equality across the county for all children and young people absent from school due to medical needs – whether physical or mental-health-related.

The proposed package of measures looks to expand what’s on offer, and includes digital solutions, personal home tuition and group education – which is currently only available to secondary school pupils.

County Councillor Patrick Mulligan – executive member for education and skills – said the move would enable a flexible, bespoke package to be created for each child.

He said regular meetings with pupils, their families, health professionals and schools would ensure a child and family-centred approach reflecting the youngster’s needs.

“The proposals aim to provide joined-up solutions to minimise disruption to a child’s education and to enable the earliest possible return to school for many pupils,” added County Cllr Mulligan.

“There would be more involvement from health professionals and schools to create bespoke options, depending on the need of the child or young person. It is about strengthening our provision and our accountability in ensuring pupils’ needs are met.”

The service would also be available to children with special educational needs and disabilities who have an additional medical need and attend a special school, are in post-16 education or who have an education, health and care plan up to the age of 25.

Currently, provision is delivered through mainstream schools and pupil referral units.

A series of consultation sessions is being staged. The Craven event is at The Tempest Arms, Elslack Lane, Skipton, on Tuesday, September 17. There will be a session between noon and 1.30pm for parents, carers, children and young people, and between 2pm and 3.30pm for professionals.

People can also take part in the consultation at northyorks.gov.uk/medicalneedstuition. The consultation closes on October 13.