Special educational needs

Proposed re-opening of schools to additional pupils

Central government has announced its intention that, from 1 June, 2020, more children may be welcomed back to schools and other educational settings. This is due to the huge efforts made to adhere to strict social distancing measures, resulting in the transmission rate of coronavirus decreasing. A final decision is awaited from central government following its evaluation of whether its five coronavirus tests have been met.

The vast majority of Bromley’s schools are academies – schools that receive funding directly from central government and outside of local authority control. The decision whether to re-open schools lies with the Headteacher or Principal and their overarching academy trust. Bromley Council is providing support to all schools and will continue to offer this as required.

Primary schools

The government announcement identifies year groups reception, 1 and 6 as the priority for a potential return from 1 June. However the guidance recognises that schools may not have sufficient staff or physical space to accommodate all of these year groups and may need to prioritise local arrangements further according to their risk assessment. Schools are communicating directly with parents of eligible pupils to advise of the arrangements.

Secondary schools

The government guidance indicates the intention for year groups 10 and 12 to have some contact time with teachers before the end of the academic year, but no date has been set as yet. Schools are considering this guidance and planning for a potential return according to their risk assessment. Schools will contact families directly when further detail is provided by government.

Special schools

Following government guidance regarding the potential re-opening of schools to additional pupils, schools are actively working with families to identify those children and young people who may wish to return to school and carrying out risk assessments to fully understand what provision is required.  We are awaiting further detailed planning guidance to be published by government to support special schools.

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Advice and guidance from the government

Advice for parents and carers - GOV.UK

Advice for schools - GOV.UK

Department for Education coronavirus helpline

If you have queries or concerns, the Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care.

Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline -  0800 046 8687

8am to 6pm – Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm – Saturday and Sunday