Schools open for vulnerable children after Easter

a mask and some documents about coronavirus

We want to make sure that are partners and providers are aware that schools in Devon are open during the lockdown for children who absolutely need to attend, and this includes vulnerable children.

The government has said that if a child has a social worker and

  • a child protection plan,
  • is a child in need,
  • or a child in care;

they are expected to be in school after the Easter bank holiday weekend, so long as they do not have an underlying health condition that puts them at risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19).

Please make arrangements accordingly from Tuesday 14 April. This includes helping to ensure that families are aware of these details and supported appropriately.

You will need to check our website to find out if the child’s school is open on Tuesday.

If the child’s usual school is closed, parents and carers should contact Devon County Council so that a place at a suitable alternative can be found – although due to the Easter holidays, this may not be until later in the week.

Further info you may need to make parents aware of

If a child has additional needs, the school may need to plan for this so they might ask that the child doesn’t start until Wednesday 15 April. Please check with the school directly if this is the case.

If a child is attending school and normally requires council-funded transport, please talk to the school who will work with the council’s transport team.

If a parent does not want their child to go to school, they need to discuss this with their child’s social worker and school and agree the appropriate next steps so that we are all assured that the child is safe.

A child should not attend school if they, or someone they live with, has either a high temperature or a new, continuous cough.

If a child has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, they must stay at home for 7 days from when their symptoms started.

If someone a child lives with has symptoms, everyone must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days.

Full government guidance for households with possible coronavirus infections is available online.

Please note that although some children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) have a social worker, the government guidance is clear that many of them can remain safely at home. If parents are concerned, they are advised to speak to their social worker.


Top