Luke Pollard MP Labour & Co-op Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport
Educational Provision
Most people should not send their children to school. There are some exceptions:
- Vulnerable children can go to school. This includes 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 (‘key workers”) can send their children to school if they absolutely have to. This includes those who work in health and social care and in other key sectors more info here. 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.
The Prime Minister has indicated that if the rate of infection and number of active cases continues to fall, schools could start to open to more pupils, starting with reception, year 1 and year 6. The earliest this could happen is 1 June
List of Key Workers
Use this link to find the official list of ‘key workers’. If your work is critical to the COVID-19 response, or you work in one of the critical sectors listed on the website and you cannot keep your child at home safely then your children will be prioritised for education provision.
Department for Education Helpline
Parents, young people and staff can ask any questions about COVID-19 and education and children’s social care.
Phone: 0800 046 8687 (Open: 8am to 6pm Monday-Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday-Sunday)
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Educational Resources
The National Education Union has provided a variety of sources to support children learning from home.