Below is a letter from Isobel Booler, Manchester City Council’s Head of School Quality Assurance and Strategic SEND, that is being sent to all parents/carers of children and young people with an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan).

It discusses how the January 2021 lockdown relates to SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities) and school provision for those with EHCPs in Manchester.

The letter also addresses a recent issue that went on Twitter about a Manchester school sending last year’s letter, which allows providers to only give “reasonable endeavours” to secure the support outlined in EHCPs rather than it being an “absolute duty”. That temporary change in the law is not applicable during this lockdown.

Lastly, the letter shares some information about the SEND Local Offer, IAS Manchester, support with digital technology, home-to-school transport (for those who currently access face-to-face education), and free school meals.

You can view the letter in full through our PDF reader below:

You can navigate through the letter, zoom in/out and view it on full screen through the buttons above.

This letter will also be sent to families by post and is available in the SEND Local Offer.