School closures, coronavirus and EHCPs

Some children are still able to go to school if they meet certain criteria.

Your child may get a place at a different school, and schools may run differently during coronavirus.

Children of critical workers and vulnerable children who can access schools or educational settings (GOV.UK)

It's not compulsory to send your child back to school. Deciding if you should can be difficult. Before you decide, you could:

• speak with your child's school to ask what safety measures they're putting in place
• contact your special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) to ask about ways to make it easier for your child to go back to school
• find out if there’s a safe way for your child to get to school talk to your child's doctor

Places for ‘vulnerable’ children

Schools are staying open with fewer staff for children that meet certain criteria. These include children that:

• have an education, health and care plan (EHCP)
• do not have devices or a quiet place to study at home

Children are also eligible if they:

• have a child in need plan
• have a child protection plan
• are a looked after child

Vulnerable children and young people (GOV.UK)

Parents who are ‘critical workers’

Critical workers are people who work in:

• health and social care
• education and childcare

It also includes people who work in essential public services like:

• the justice system
• religious staff
• frontline charity workers
• funeral care

Critical workers (GOV.UK)

Updates on coronavirus and education

Lockdown 3: What does it mean for the rights of children with SEND? (Special Needs Jungle)