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Guidance for families during COVID-19 outbreak

Last updated: 15 June 2021

Although national lockdown has been effective and cases have now fallen, the levels of infection still remain high and still pose a high risk threat to those who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

For the latest government advice for those shielding and protecting people visit the Council for Disabled Children's website or contact your child’s school.

Back to school

Pupils have been able to attend school since 8 March.

Attendance is mandatory unless your child is self-isolating through receiving a positive test result or they are clinically extremely vulnerable.

To safeguard the health of the teachers and pupils, the government have made rapid lateral flow tests available to schools and colleges. Lateral flow tests can also be accessed directly for households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary school pupils and for households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary school staff. This testing will also help keep safe those in the community who are clinically extremely vulnerable and their families.

Find out more about testing in education settings.

We advise that if you have any concerns you speak to your child's education setting. For additional information you can:

If your child is unable to attend school or college, your child's education setting will make appropriate arrangements for you to be able to continue your education at home. They will also notify your child's social worker (if they have one) and agree with the social worker the best way to maintain contact and offer support to your child. Alongside this, they will also put in place support to check that your child can access education at home, and to check on their wellbeing.

If you have any concerns about your child attending school or college, we ask that you contact them directly.

Support from Provision Evaluation Officers

Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities may find the re-adjustment to school life and routines more difficult than their peers.

The Provision Evaluation Officer (PEO) team works with parents and schools where children or young people with SEND are struggling with the transition back to school.

They already work closely with schools and colleges to support and advise as well as monitor the provision for pupils and students with SEND, whether they have Education, Health and Care Plans or are receiving SEN Support with or without High Needs Funding.

PEOs are all qualified teachers with considerable experience working with children and young people with SEND.

There is at least one PEO for every district in Kent. The team also includes a PEO for further education and for independent schools for pupils with an EHCP.

If you would like to speak to the PEO for the district that your child’s school is in please email Tania Lawrence tania.lawrence@kent.gov.uk who will pass on your contact details to the relevant PEO.

Clinically extremely vulnerable children

Last updated: 3 June 2021

Shielding for clinically extremely vulnerable children is currently paused, however families should still follow the guidance advised by the government.

It is important that you continue to receive the care and support you need to help you stay safe and well. We and the NHS are making every effort to ensure services remain open and as safe as possible.

You should continue to seek support from the NHS for your existing health conditions. You can access a range of NHS services from home, including ordering repeat prescriptions or contacting your health professional through an online consultation. To find out more visit NHS Health at home, or download the NHS app.

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