Page 14 - SEN106 SEN Magazine May-June 2020

Douglas Silas clarifies how the Government’s lockdown guidance affects schools Schools in lockdown SEN 106 senmagazine.co.uk 14 A s many people, both professionally and personally will already be aware, many schools have now closed because of the Coronavirus pandemic. I thought that it would therefore be helpful to compile here as much (clear) information as I can from what we have gleaned on the internet so far about what happens to SEN provision now. (1) What is the current situation? The Secretary of State for Education has announced that most schools were to close on Friday 20 March 2020, but that education was still going to be provided for some categories of children/young people (considered to be ‘vulnerable’), as follows: • Those with social workers; and • All children with Education Health and Care (EHC) Plans. The Government guidance has said that it wants to keep parents in work who are doing vital jobs to support crucial sectors that ensure the country continues to function amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Therefore, a skeleton network of schools and nurseries is set to remain open. The Government is advising parents to speak to their local authority if their child’s school is closed and it will then be the LA’s duty to redirect them to a local school that their child can attend, if necessary. Special schools are expected to remain open during the closures. (2) Does the Government guidance say anything else? The Government guidance further says that, if it is at all possible for children to be at home, then they should be, but if a child/ young person needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker, then educational provision will be available for them. The government though is encouraging local authorities (LAs) to keep residential special schools and specialist colleges open if possible. Teachers and other staff will continue to work, but many will now do so remotely or online. SEN law