Coronavirus (COVID-19)

 

GOV.UK is the official site for the latest information on the outbreak. The advice is updated regularly by the UK Government.

 

We have gathered all the official coronavirus information that is relevant to families with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities all on one page for ease of reference, which we endeavour to update regularly to ensure you don't miss out on what is becoming a rapidly changing situation. 

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Official sources for Coronavirus information

UPDATED on 26 December 2020

 

 

General​

Latest:

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  • On 19 December 2020, the UK PM has announced tonight the move to Tier 4: 'Stay At Home' Alert Level in response to new COVID variant. These measures will take effect from tomorrow morning; and effects London (all 32 boroughs and the City of London) and more. Read in full here

  • On 24 July 2020, The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 came into force which requires members of the public to wear face coverings whilst inside a 'relevant place', with the aim to reduce the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19).

  • The Secretary of State for Education has issued its third notice amending the legal duty to provide provision under section 42 [#Children and Families Act 2014 (CFA)].

  • The Secretary of State for Education has issued its second notice amending the legal duty to provide provision under section 42 [#Children and Families Act 2014 (CFA)]. This notice takes effect from 1st June 2020 and finishes at the end of 30th June 2020. Find here.  You can also download notice here

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  • Latest update on HMCTS response to coronavirus outbreak. Here

  • (15 May 2020) Dfe has published an overview of scientific information on coronavirus (COVID-19). Find here

  • (12 May 2020) Dfe have issued two important guidance documents on your child's return back to school from 1 June 2020 and the protective measures within education and childcare settings. Find them here and here

  • Dfe have issued a planning guide for primary school leaders to help prepare them to open their schools for more pupils on 1 June 2020. Find here

  • (4 May 2020) The LGSCO have issued guidance to LA's and care providers about good administrative practice and handling #complaints during the #Covid-19 crisis. Read here

  • (30 April 2020) The Gov't have now issued full guidance on temporary legislative changes relating to coronavirus (COVID-19) in relation to EHC plans. This also includes changes to timescales for EHC processes. This guide is essential reading. Find here

  • (30 April 2020) The Secretary of State for Education has issued its notice amending the legal duty to provide provision under section 42 [Children and Families Act 2014 (CFA)] which is in relation to the duty to secure special educational provision and health care provision in an EHC plan to a ‘reasonable endeavours’ duty. This notice takes effect from 1 May 2020 and finishes on 31 May 2020. Read here 

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  • If you are of working age and you get help paying your Council Tax through the Council Tax Reduction scheme, new Gov't Council tax Guidance on COVID-19 hardship fund 2020-21 for Local Authorities has advised that Local Authorities are expected to give you £150 towards your Council Tax bill for 2020/21. The £150 will be applied to your Council Tax account around 20 April 2020. Read here

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  • The Department for Health & Social Care have published new guidance for people receiving direct payments. This is essential reading. Find here

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  • Some of the most vulnerable people in society will be given enhanced support through their legal aid after changes unveiled on Tuesday 21 April 2020. This includes restoring access to individual support for debt, discrimination and special educational needs cases. Find here

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  • NHS England have issued a COVID-19 Advance Care Plan template. Families and their disabled members should use this template to outline the decisions you have made about your treatment and the support you need if you develop severe COVID-19 symptoms and need to contact emergency services or be admitted to hospital. Please find an editable version of the template here

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  • New updated guidance from the Office of Public Guardian on signing/witnessing LPAs during Covid-19. You can find it here

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  • COVID-19 Hospital Discharge Service Requirements. Can be found here. This document sets out the Hospital Discharge Service Requirements for all NHS trusts, community interest companies and private care providers of acute, community beds and community health services and social care staff in England, who must adhere to this from Thursday 19th March 2020.

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  • Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children and Families, Vicky Ford MP, issued an open letter to children and young people with SEND, their  parents/carers and families, and all others who support them on 24.03.20  The full text of the letter can be found here

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For parents and carers - schools and LA's

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  • The latest official stats and data for 2020 related to children and young people with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) or education, health and care (EHC) plan in England. 07.05.2020 Find here

  • Dfe has published case studies showing examples of practice for remote education from schools and academies across England during coronavirus (COVID-19). The document includes a chapter on supporting the wellbeing of primary pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). 05.05.20Find here

  • Important new SEND guidance from Govt Dfe on risk assessments for educational settings supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. Find here

  • Official Govt guidance on subject specific home education resources for special educational needs and #disabilities during #COVID 19. Includes FREE apps for sensory needs. Find here

  • The govt has issued guidance to assist those involved in school admissions appeals. Find it here

  • New Govt guidance on extra financial support and funding available to schools during COVID-19, includes funding for free school meals for eligible children who are not attending school 07.04.20

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  • NHS England have issued important new clinical guidance to frontline staff supporting patients with a learning disability, autism or both during the #coronavirus pandemic. Find it here

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We are entering an unprecedented and fast-moving, constantly changing situation. Whilst we will do our best to keep this page updated, it should not be considered a source for the latest government advice which should be obtained directly from https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus. Links to external providers should not be considered a recommendation or endorsement of those providers’ products and/or services.

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