< Back to blog

23.03.2020 | By paul_simpson

Government update about coronavirus and SEND

Posted in News

You will have seen the announcements over the past few days about school closures for everyone except children of critical workers and vulnerable children, in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The government has now published questions and answers about these changes: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people

The government has also published guidance on isolation and COVID-19 to support management of children and young people in residential educational settings, including boarding schools, residential special schools and specialist colleges and children’s homes: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-isolation-for-residential-educational-settings

We understand that these are uncertain times and that you will have a lot of questions and concerns. We encourage you to keep up-to-date by regularly checking the gov.uk webpages; this is where we will publish reliable updates and guidance. We will endeavour to signpost new or updated guidance via newsflash emails. If you need any further advice, you can speak to an adviser on the DfE Coronavirus helpline. The number is 0800 046 8687 – lines are open 8am-6pm Monday – Friday, and 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.