Special Educational Needs

(asked on 6th May 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the effect of school closures on the education of children with a statement of special education needs; and what steps his Department plans to take in response to that assessment.


Answered by
Vicky Ford Portrait
Vicky Ford
This question was answered on 14th May 2020

The Department for Education (DfE) is committed to minimising the effects that school closures have on all children and young people, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). That is why we have asked educational settings to remain open to a limited number of children and young people, such as those with an education, health and care (EHC) plan, where a risk assessment has determined that their individual needs can be better supported at their school or college than at home.

Where children and young people have stayed at home following a risk assessment, DfE has asked local authorities, schools and colleges and parent/carers to consider whether moving either equipment or services into a child or young person’s home would enable them to be better supported there. For access to the full risk assessment guidance:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance.

DfE is assessing and carrying out research and surveys to help understand the impacts of COVID-19 on children and young people with EHC plans. We will use this information, alongside intelligence from engagement with key stakeholders, to inform the ongoing and future provision of support for children.

Decisions on the return to school of pupils with EHC plans will be informed by existing risk assessments, which should be kept up to date. These risk assessments will also be used to phase any increase in attendance of children and young people with EHC plans while maintaining preventative measures so that they can be safely catered for in their setting.

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