There have been quite a few changes over the past few weeks in terms of who can go to school and when. Here is a current guide on those changes (as of 19th June 2020)
Priority Groups
Education and childcare settings have already been open to priority groups (vulnerable children and children of critical workers).
‘Supporting vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance’ , the attendance criteria within it has now been updated.
Vulnerable children of all year groups continue to be expected and encouraged to attend educational provision– where it is appropriate for them to do so.
are assessed as being in need under section 17 of the Children Act 1989, including children and young people who have a child in need plan, a child protection plan or who are a looked-after child have an education, health and care (EHC) plan and it is determined, following risk assessment, that their needs can be as safely or more safely met in the educational environment
have been assessed as otherwise vulnerable by educational providers or local authorities (including children’s social care services), and who could therefore benefit from continued attendance. This might include children and young people on the edge of receiving support from children’s social care services, adopted children, those at risk of becoming NEET (‘not in employment, education or training’), those living in temporary accommodation, those who are young carers and others at the provider and local authority’s discretion. Children of critical (key) workers –
The definition of critical workers remains unchanged and continues to include those who work in:
health and social care; education and childcare, key public services; local and national government; food and other necessary goods; public safety and national security; utilities, communication and financial services.
From 1st June
, Primary schools to welcome back children in:
nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6. Nurseries and other early years providers, including childminders, to begin welcoming back all children.
childminders can look after children of all ages, in line with usual limits on the number of children they can care for.
From 15th June onwards
Secondary schools, sixth form and further education colleges are to offer some face-to-face support to supplement the remote education of:
year 10, year 12, and 16 to 19 students who are due to take key exams next year Alternative provision settings should mirror the approach being taken for mainstream schools and also offer some face-to-face support for years 10 and 11 students (as they have no year 12).
To note:
there are not enough classrooms or spaces available in the setting and / or
they do not have enough available teachers or staff to supervise the groups Special schools, special post-16 institutions and hospital schools will work towards a phased return of more children and young people without a focus on specific year groups.
Will ALL Primary school children return to school before the summer holidays?
In a nutshell – no
PM Statement at the Coronavirus Press Conference of 10th June – the Prime Minister has now said that not all primary school children will be able to return to school before the summer holidays as hoped. This is because the infection rate is not low enough and schools would be unable to alter their social distancing plans to make it safe for all to return at this time. It is hoped that schools will be able to bring back as many pupils as they can within those smaller class sizes.
Will ALL children return in September?
For now the answer is yes.
What if my child has an EHCP and has not been allowed to go to school so far?
Supporting Vulnerable Children guidance May 15th . This has changed from the guidance at the beginning of lockdown.
My child has an EHCP – Will my child have the same provision as before?
What if my child or young person is clinically vulnerable / extremely vulnerable?
clinically extremely vulnerable due to pre-existing medical conditions have been advised to shield. We do not expect these children to be attending school or college, and they should continue to be supported at home as much as possible.
Clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) people are those considered to be at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19). A small minority of children will fall into this category, and parents should follow medical advice if their child is in this category.
What if a child, young person or staff member lives in a household with someone who is clinically vulnerable / extremely vulnerable?
COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people for those defined on medical grounds as clinically extremely vulnerable , it is advised they only attend an education or childcare setting if stringent social distancing can be adhered to and, in the case of children, they are able to understand and follow those instructions.
clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, they can attend their education or childcare setting.
If you have any concerns and would like to discuss these with one of our advisers, please contact SENDIAS on 0330 222 8555 or email: send.ias@westsussex.gov.uk. Please let us know the area of West Sussex you live in when you make contact.
NEXT TIME: What is being done by schools to keep children, families and staff safe?
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