The government announced this week its “recovery roadmap” for the country to ease out of lockdown. With it is a plan to gradually reopen schools in England.
You can read short summaries about these on the Contact and Council for Disabled Children websites.
This is also mentioned on IPSEA’s “update on COVID-19, school closures and SEN provision” page, along with many other relevant information.
You can view the full government guidance for the reopening of schools and other educational settings at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/reopening-schools-and-other-educational-settings-from-1-june, which contains answers to the following questions:
- Why can more children now attend school and childcare settings?
- What does the latest scientific advice say?
- Can my child return to school?
- What if my child is eligible but has siblings who are not?
- How will risks to children, teachers and families be managed?
- If my child is eligible, is it compulsory for them to attend school?
According to the government guidance, “Parents will not be fined for non-attendance” if they choose not to send their children to school during this time.
- Do all vulnerable children and young people who are not currently attending have to go back to childcare settings, school or college now?
- Should I keep my child at home if they have an underlying health condition or live with someone in a clinically vulnerable group?
If you have a family member who is considered clinically vulnerable and is shielding, your child/young person is not expected to attend.
- Can children be tested for the virus?
- What happens if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus in my child’s school, college or childcare setting?
- Will education be provided as normal to children and young people who are attending?
- How should my child travel to and from their childcare, school or college?
IPSEA advises that “the legal duties around school transport have not changed.”
The latest government guidance does say that “Children, young people and parents are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible and avoid public transport at peak times,” and “schools, trusts and local authorities should work together and with relevant transport providers to put in place arrangements which fit the local circumstances, including the measures being put in place to reduce contact.” - Will school meals be available for children and young people who are in school?
- Will childcare, schools and colleges keep their usual opening hours?
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