Page last updated 12.05.2020
Government announced all schools would close from Friday 20 March to all children except those of key workers and the most vulnerable children. On 10 May Government announced some details around next phase, we will endeavour to share updates here.
What you can and cannot do – FAQs
The government has published FAQs with advice on what you can and cannot do when the new changes come into effect on Wednesday 13 May which are available at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do
Staying safe outside your home
New guidance on Staying Safe outside your home can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home
Staying alert and safe
New Staying Alert and Safe (social distancing) guidance can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing.
The following guidance has been updated:
Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings
Guidance and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19) in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students.
- New information added 11 May 2020 - link to information about opening schools and educational settings to more pupils from 1 June.
Next steps for the phased wider opening of educational and childcare settings Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested
Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested
School Hubs
The majority of Sunderland schools remain open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers, and from Monday 30 March some schools with small pupil numbers have operated as Hubs – please click here for details.
Free School Meals
In response to Covid-19 the Department for Education has published guidance regarding Free School Meals.
Schools will be contacting parents and carers who are in receipt of qualifying benefits about a national free school meal voucher scheme.
Vouchers worth £15 can be used at major supermarkets. Please click here for details, questions and answers.
Online education resources
As part of its package of support to help schools deal with the challenges posed by coronavirus, the Department for Education has today (07 April) published a list of online educational resources for schools and parents to help children learn at home: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources
Exam Grading and Assessment in 2020
The Government has issued a consultation to ensure students can receive grades and progress to the next stages of their lives without further disruption.
Technology support for children and schools during Covid-19
On 19 April the Government announced ICT support for children and schools and published this guidance:
Together for Children are working with the Department for Education and schools to ensure care leavers and children and young people aged 0 to 19 with a social worker, in need of ICT support receive it.
Skills Toolkit
The National Careers Service has launched the Skills Toolkit, a new online platform giving access to free, high quality digital and numeracy courses to help people build up their skills and boost employability:
https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/
Resources
Education staff can help pupils and students to stop germs spreading in the classroom with fun lesson plans on handwashing from Public Health England. https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/schools
DfE Coronavirus Helpline
There is a helpline to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. Staff, parents and young people can contact the helpline as follows:
Phone: 0800 046 8687
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk
Opening hours: 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday / 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday
