Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made, in the context of the Coronavirus Act 2020, of the need to protect children without an Education, Health and Care plan who may live in households where there is domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is a devastating crime. We fully recognise the severe impact it has on both victims and their children, and that many of them may feel even more vulnerable during social distancing and self-isolation.

The Government is liaising with specialist domestic abuse service providers and local authorities to monitor and assess the impact of social distancing on victims of domestic abuse and their children, and to ensure that sources of advice and support continue to be available to them.

Schools have been asked to continue to provide care for vulnerable children including those who are supported by social care, those with safeguarding and welfare needs, and those on child protection plans. We are working with schools and local authorities to help identify the children who most need support at this time.