Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to allow children with Education, Health and Care plans repeat a school year where the parents and school believe that this is in their best interest as a result of the educational consequences of the covid-19 outbreak.

Despite restrictions to schools for the majority of pupils, teachers and school staff are working extremely hard to give face-to-face education to vulnerable children (this includes those who have an education, health and care plan) and the children of critical workers.

Once a child has been admitted to a school, it is for the head teacher to decide how best to educate them. This may, on occasion, include deciding that a child should be educated in a year group other than the one indicated by their age. Such decisions should be based on sound educational reasons and in consultation with parents.

The Department does not currently anticipate that children and young people will need to repeat a school year as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak. We continue to look at all options to make sure children and young people get the support they need to continue their education during the outbreak and make up for time spent out of school.

However, it remains possible for headteachers to agree this in individual cases, if they think it is appropriate.