‘Supporting the Psychological Needs of the Education Community during the COVID Pandemic”. – The Government’s Wellbeing for Education Return Project In September, schools and colleges welcomed back all their pupils after an unprecedented time of lockdown. Children’s services have worked extremely hard during this period to develop resources and provide […]

We have developed a new Peer support service for parents to get support around managing school transitions back, due to the covid 19 situation. Please see the attached flyers which I wonder if could be posted in the group? And shared amongst any other interested parties you can think of. […]

This information covers the return to school, the implementation of EHCPs and attendance guidance ie that the expectation is that all pupils will be back in an educational setting in September. It is worth opening the link and reading all of the FAQs.Please contact the PCF if there are further […]

How schools can use pupil registers and attendance codes, including in circumstances due to coronavirus (COVID-19), and set school hours and term dates. Published 25 November 2013Last updated 6 August 2020 — see all updates https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-attendance

Changed to Government Guidance as to where face coverings have to be worn. This will affect quite a few of our VCSE colleagues. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

Using direct payments during the coronavirus outbreak: full guidance for people receiving direct payments and personal assistants https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-people-receiving-direct-payments/coronavirus-covid-19-qa-for-people-receiving-a-personal-budget-or-personal-health-budget?fbclid=IwAR0AcJ3JvTZUQMjGW5GNEvcQYrAXAeJm0IQGG9c6hoPpTuEp91wvinsGzRw

PHE have recently launched an updated Psychological First Aid (PFA) digital training module, aimed at all frontline and essential workers and volunteers.The course aims to increase awareness and confidence to provide psychosocial support to people affected by COVID-19. PFA is a globally recognised training in emergency situations and this course […]

We are hearing very concerning examples where risk assessments have been used to prevent a child returning to school because of the additional support that a child with SEND needs in relative to others in the same year group. This is a perversion of the reasonable adjustments requirement that should […]

One of the responses to the questions the PCF raised with the LA yesterday was for them to forward resources that are being used by SENCOs. As a result they have sent these attachments today.

From 13 June, you’ll be able to form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household if you live alone or are a single parent with dependent children – all those in a support bubble will be able to act as if they live in the same household. More info here: […]

You can purchase £50 worth of PPE per person who is cared for out of Direct Payment money for employed PA’s to use but you must keep receipts. For approval to replenish supplies you must contact your social worker/care coordinator.How are parent carers with children and young people below 18 […]

NHS Test and Trace App launched. On Thursday 28 May, the NHS launched their new ‘Test and Trace’ service across England. This new service will help identify, contain and control coronavirus, reduce the spread of the virus and save lives. From the 28th, anyone who tests positive for coronavirus will […]

Open letter to parents and carers of children with SEND, from Vicky Ford MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families 30 May 2020

Secretary of State for Education issues a second notice to modify the duty relating to education, health and care (EHC) plans during the coronavirus outbreak. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/modification-notice-ehc-plans-legislation-changes

Survey of parental views on their child returning to nursery/ school or college. We emailed these results to the LA yesterday for discussion later this week.

From the week commencing 1 June 2020 at the earliest, we will be asking primary schools to welcome back children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups (vulnerable children and critical worker children). From the week commencing 15 June 2020 at the earliest, we will ask […]

We received an email from a parent “Life in Lockdown Covid 19”. We felt is clearly expressed how all areas of life are affected for families. With the parent’s help and consent it has been anonymised and we are sharing it to encourage more families if they wish to do […]

Guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students. Click here for more information. This link takes you to the the advice on the governments website.

This document describes the progress the UK has made to date in tackling the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and sets out the plans for moving to the next phase of its response to the virus. The strategy sets out a cautious roadmap to easing existing measures in a safe and measured […]

Data analysis and links to statistical release data sources on children and young people with special educational needs (SEN) or a disability. Click here for more information. This link takes you to the the advice on the governments website.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested?utm_source=

This is the latest government guidance on the relaxation of SEND law. This is a temporary measure because of the changes brought about by Covid 19. There are two key changes. Firstly that the LA, Health and Social Care do not need to secure the provision in an EHCP but […]

The Secretary of State for Education has issued a notice to modify section 42 of the Children and Families Act 2014. This notice will be relevant to: local authorities health commissioning bodies children and young people with EHC plans parents others involved in the EHC plan process It will modify […]

PCF Update on Risk Assessments. This guidance was published by the government on the 19th April 2020.“This guidance advises local authorities to conduct risk assessments and makes suggestions and recommendations for how that might be done in collaboration with educational settings and parents.” “This guidance document relates particularly to children […]

1.A stand alone Local Offer page is being produced by the LA with links to Regional and National support and information and resources. If parent carers find a link that is useful please let the PCF know and it will be included.. 2. The Local Authority is working to produce […]

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

Legislation (clause 35/36 and schedule 15-16): https://publications.parliament.uk/…/c…/58-01/0122/20122.pdf

Guidance (including list of key workers): https://www.gov.uk/…/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educa… Information for families: https://www.gov.uk/…/closure-of-educational-settings-inform…