Covid-19 ‘vulnerable children’ education guidance

The new information is intended to support both schools and parents by acting as the primary source of information.

The guidance contains a list of frequently asked questions relating to: children with special educational needs (SEN); information for parents of vulnerable children, and useful contacts.

Minister Peter Weir said: “I recognise that these are challenging times for us all. Support for our vulnerable children and young people is central to our response to Covid-19. To be clear, my position is that all vulnerable children and young people should be facilitated to continue to attend school where it is in their best interests and safe and appropriate to do so.

“I am aware that school acts as a protective factor for vulnerable children and young people. It alleviates the pressure experienced when this routine and place of safety is not otherwise available.

“However, I am also aware that schools and parents have been voicing some concerns in relation to vulnerable children and young people and their attendance at school during the current Covid-19 crisis.

“With this in mind, I have published specific guidance for vulnerable children and young people in addition to the FAQs I issued and updated in March. The guidance will be the primary source of information, for schools and parents, in relation to vulnerable children and young people attending school and will sit alongside the existing FAQs on the Department’s website.”

Mr Weir added: “These guidelines will help ensure that schools have the support required to continue to deliver a safe and welcoming ‘supervised learning’ environment.”

The information is available at www.education-ni.gov.uk