Special Schools and Covid19

[GinJeanie]

Hiya
My 8 year-old DN attends a special school. Fortunately she's not got any serious underlying health needs but I know a lot of the pupils in the school have.
After BJs decision not to close schools on Thursday, where does this leave vulnerable children with complex health needs? He told us that through his plan to use the "herd immunity" strategy, there would be collateral damage. Many of us are terrified (and furious) he's talking about our elderly parents. Indeed, the media is now suggesting that the over-70s stay indoors and self-isolate for the foreseeable.
I haven't seen or heard mention of other vulnerable groups though. Why are special schools with a far higher proportion of immuno-compromised children being lumped in with other schools? Am genuinely confused and very worried.

[Niffler75]

@GinJeanie I agree with your concerns. Lots of kids with SN may have underlying medical issues that could make them particularly vulnerable.
I am in the process of transitioning my son to a special school after home educating for a while and that will probably be put on hold now.
Also with increased staffing ratios in SN schools and the kids needing this support what if staff go off sick?
I have far more questions than answers! 😔

[Mynamenotaccepted]

Sadly DH and I fall into the vulnerable category and we have 5 adopted 14 - 39 all with needs. Youngest has an autoimmune disorder and requires weekly infusions to keep her healthy. The only way round the Covid19 problem is for us all to go into isolation. Sadly no one has thought of the younger age groups.

[Niffler75]

@Mynamenotaccepted My son is adopted too. It's a pretty stressful time isn't it! Maybe we can we this forum to support each other?

[GinJeanie]

Sending you all a big virtual hug... I hope you can all find a way to stay safe and well. Not everyone understands how vulnerable these children and young people are... ❤

[Mynamenotaccepted]

Thank you both and sending you both and thoughts. We must stick together.

[Mynamenotaccepted]

Well after tonight's news I with several friends have decided to pull our "lot" out of day services and school, 2 have complex heart problems and one has bronchectasis, another has Down Syndrome (as the two girls) and epilepsy. Ds has cerebral palsy deafblind and quite unwell at present, youngest 14 has immune problems
Really hope we have done the right thing. Our two girls with Down Syndrome are not impressed. Hope you are both ok x

[Niffler75]

@Mynamenotaccepted I do feel there has been no advice for parents of kids with disabilities/additional needs who may have conditions that increase their risk in relation to covid-19. These are unparalleled times and your kids safety should always come first and foremost!
Sending best wishes to all parents in this position who are worrying about their child being in school. 😞

[Niffler75]

Public Health England has just released social distancing advice including for those under the age of 70 with health conditions. While it does not specifically mention kids attending school and health conditions it may be useful to read and does highlight at risk groups.

[GinJeanie]

Hope you're doing ok Niffler, and also everyone else facing these extra worries right now. You really do have to ask WHY this group aren't mentioned specifically by the official bodies? It just seems strange and really wrong! Hugs and 🌹 from me xx

[Lesley25]

Just a quick update here to say vulnerable children with a social worker and or an EHCP will still be able to go to school and school will be open to those children and those of key workers.

[x2boys]

I'm more confused now on one hand they are saying children with learning disabilities fall into.a high risk category ,althoughh I'm not sure if this is profound and multiple learning disabilities with underlying health issues or all children with learning disabilities but saying children with EHCP,s can attend school,my son has severe autism and learning disabilities with an EHCP and at a special school thankfully he has no underlying health issues so I don't by know what to do for the best send him to school if it's open ,he loves school and needs routine but obviously his health and well being is my main concern.

[Boulshired]

At pick up today my DS special school were preparing for full closure on Friday, they were not expecting to remain open. I am surprised with the ECHP statement. Not sure if they stay open what I will do, he has 1:1 at his special school so will probably withdraw but it is going to be a very difficult to keep him home for the length of time needed.

[crazydiamond222]

I think the government is currently leaving it open for parents to weigh up the health risks of sending their child with an EHCP to school against the other risks of keeping them at home in relation to mental health, disruption of routine etc.

My son's special school where all have EHCPs is still open for a small number of children (those of key workers and what they say are children with the most severe needs). As all children at the school have quite severe needs I think the last category is really based on parental preference.

[x2boys]

My sons special school. Closed on friday,they made the decision on Friday i think it might be still staying open for children of essential workers but I think very few children fall into its category