PLEASE NOTE

Government Advice schools have received

Government has asked parents to keep their children at home, wherever possible, and asked schools to remain open only for those children who absolutely need to attend.

It is important to underline that schools, colleges and other educational establishments remain safe places for children. But the fewer children making the journey to school, and the fewer children in educational settings, the lower the risk that the virus can spread and infect vulnerable individuals in wider society.

Schools are, therefore, being asked to continue to provide care for a limited number of children - children who are vulnerable and children whose parents are critical to the Covid-19 response and cannot be safely cared for at home.

Vulnerable children include children who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, including child in need plans, on child protection plans, ‘looked after’ children, young carers, disabled children and those with education, health and care (EHC) plans.

Parents whose work is critical to the COVID-19 response include those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors. Many parents working in these sectors may be able to ensure their child is kept at home. And every child who can be safely cared for at home should be. PLEASE NOTE THIS ADVICE DOES NOT SAY IF ONE ADULT IN THE HOUSEHOLD IS A KEY WORKER THAT YOU QUALIFY FOR CHILDCARE PROVISION. IF AN ADULT IN THE HOUSEHOLD IS NOT A KEY WORKWORKER THE SAME EXPECTATIONS OF CARE FOR YOUR CHILD WILL BE AS IT IS FOR ALL OTHER PARENTS WITHIN THE SCHOOL.