Part-Time Timetables: a review


The Background

Parents began reaching out to the forum to share their concerns about their children being placed on part-time timetables. These conversations seem to indicate a growing use of reduced timetables, coupled with limited oversight and a lack of accessible information specifically for parents.

This feedback highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of the issue.

To better understand this issue, an in-depth review was undertaken over the course of a year to explore the process, shed light on the experiences of families and children affected by part-time timetables, identify areas for improvement, and identify opportunities for improvement to better support everyone involved.


The Approach

To ensure a thorough understanding, different methodology was used, which included:

1. Semi-Structured Interviews
Interviews were carried out with multiple groups, including schools, parents, carers, and young people, to capture diverse perspectives and experiences.

2. Parent and Carer Survey
A survey was distributed to parents and carers of children who were currently or had previously been on a part-time timetable.

3.Local Authority Data
Data provided by the Local Authority was analysed to gain any insight.

4.Policy and Guidance Review
Relevant policies and guidelines were reviewed to understand the broader context.


Insights and Findings

Extensive and valuable information was gathered through this process, with participants generously sharing their time and candid experiences.


The Report

The report highlights the key findings from this review and presents a series of recommendations aimed at improving the management of part-time timetables and better support children and families.


Learn more about the findings and recommendations by reading the full report and the survey results.