Updated Gov doc on critical workers and children who can access schools

[kittensinthekitchen]

Doesn't list what in particular has been updated, but this document has been updated today 2nd January 2022

www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision

The last section re other kinds of vulnerability eg alcohol abuse in the hone, has been added. Doesn't change things that much as schools always had discretion.

And possibly tightened up a couple of other sections altho am not sure about this.

They've removed the bit about Brexit planning workers being essential and cut a couple of sections at the start which were relevant to last Jan. can't see much else

Pointless except in cases of national closure.

If schools close or send year groups or classes home due to lack of staff, then they do not have enough staff to run keyworker provision either.

Our school (primary) have sent us an abridged version. Basically kids in school unless positive, need negative ltf on day 6 and 7 so can return on day 8 otherwise full 10 days.
Kids may do online learning but in school under supervision if teachers are in short supply.

@Barbie222

They've removed the bit about Brexit planning workers being essential and cut a couple of sections at the start which were relevant to last Jan. can't see much else

That's great, thanks for the clarification.

Is that Brexit done then?

I think they might've added Young Carers to the list - my 9 year old is a Young Carer and it wasn't mentioned last time. However he 'cares' for his sibling who was offered a place at school so he didn't specifically need one anyway.

@HolidayMiracle

Oh, have they? That's great if they have. I would have hoped schools were allowing young carers to attend through vulnerability criteria, if they weren't already specified on the list.

Very interesting that the Government are now prioritising young carers, when they've screwed over the number of adult carers who are in receipt of legacy benefits (carers allowance), by not providing an equal uplift as they did for Universal Credit claimants.

I wonder if they will remember , children,in special school,s this time ,it's all very well saying children with EHCP,s can attend school but if the school remains closed as my child's special school did ,during both national school closures there is not a lot we can do 🙄

Yes it does have young carers now.

They've been dusting off every single part of the contingency plans.

Doesn't mean any elements of it are especially likely, because this kicks in only if there is a formal move to offsite schooling. It can't happen like that if school closures are down to staff absences and schools it year groups have to shut for a week or two

Brexit planning workers….

Did they do anything?

It's all very well saying children with EHCPs can attend school in the event of a closure BUT what happens in reality is those who have 1-1 support specified, can't, because there is no 1-1 support available, no one there to remove them from the class if they become overwhelmed to a quiet space etc etc.