Home education rise leaving children’s services ‘stretched’

Home education rise leaving children’s services ‘stretched’

by BeckiNo Comments
The number of children being electively home educated has jumped by more than a third compared with last year due to health fears sparked by the Covid-19 pandemic, new figures from the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) shows. Some 75,668 children were being taught at home on 1 October, 38% more than on the same date last year. Of these, 25% had been registered since 1 September. The most common reason cited by parents is the fear and uncertainty around Covid-19. Gail Tolley, chair of the ADCS educational achievement policy committee, warned that local authorities were struggling to deal with the jump in the number of children being home educated. For more, you can read the full article on Children & Young People Now. ...
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Extra Mental Health Support for Pupils and Teachers

by BeckiNo Comments
The Department for Education and Department of Health and Social Care have announced online resources and charity grants. These are to help schools and colleges respond to the impact of coronavirus on mental health and wellbeing. For the full press release, click here. There will be a variety of videos, webinars and teaching materials produced in partnership with charities. These shoul help children and young people discuss their anxieties and other emotions around the pandemic. Grants worth more than £750,00 for the Diana Award, the Anti-Bullying Alliance and the Anne Frank Trust have been announced. There is also a £95,000 pilot project in partnership with the Education Support Partnership to focus on teachers' and leaders' mental health and wellbeing. This will encourage more resiliency of school staff. Furthermore, mental health and wellbeing will become a compulsory part of pupils' education in primary and secondary education through the Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum from September. ...
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UK school closures: Impact on SEND

by BeckiNo Comments
Contact have issued a short FAQ around the UK school closures and the impact on SEND children and those with EHCPs. Key point: "Further government guidance is expected... but we understand that the government will not be compelling parents to send their children to school if they don't want to and can safely be at home." ...
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Government sets out plans to support pupils eligible for Free School Meals

by BeckiNo Comments
With the announcement that schools are to close in England from Monday 23rd March, the Government has been putting together their plans to ensure disadvantaged children and young people are not unfairly impacted. With that in mind, they have announced that families will still receive the financial support to feed children. The full article can be found here and the guidance document can be read here. Key Information: Schools will be able to provide meals or vouchers for supermarkets or local shops Schools can choose to support eligible children however they believe is most appropriate and headteachers can decide which of the available options will be best for families in their areaThis may include: food parcels and/or supermarket e-vouchers/gift vouchers Speak with your childs school directly to find out what they will be doing going forwards. ...
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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Inquiry

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Inquiry

by Becki2 Comments
In 2014, the Government introduced changes to the SEND system, with the intention of offering simpler, improved and consistent help for children and young people with SEND. The Government claimed these changes would give families greater choice in decisions. The Committee’s inquiry has reviewed these reforms, how they have been implemented, and what impact they are having. Read the interactive report here. ...
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