Coronavirus (COVID-19) guidance for virtual school
We know that these are unsettling, unprecedented and challenging times for everyone - not least those involved in caring for and supporting children in foster care and those supporting children who have experienced relational traumas and losses more widely.
School places are available for children and young people in foster care in England but there is no obligation for foster carers to take up the offer. The general advice is for children and young people to remain at home if possible, however, your child’s social worker will be available to discuss the best option for your child.
For vulnerable children but without a Social Worker, the guidance from the DFE has asked Leaders of educational settings and designated safeguarding leads to be flexible in offering a place to those on the edges of receiving children’s social care support.
Webinar Events for Designated Teachers
If you missed the webinar by Lisa Cherry on supporting the transition back to school for looked after and previously looked after children.It is now available to download until 28 July 2020. Please follow the link below and also check out the Virtual School website for more resources to support emotional wellbeing and return to school.To view the recording please visit the ARC website.
Government helpline
The Department for Education has launched a new helpline to answer questions about COVID-19:
The Virtual School for Looked After Children is also available to answer and support during this time:
Support, Guidance and Resources for Carers, Families and Settings
At this time as families practice social distancing, children and young people may be attending Hub Schools or may be finding it hard to cope with the ‘new normal’ as a result of COVID-19. It is possible for children, young people, adults and families to feel anxious and stressed about health issues, wellbeing and about reality of suddenly being at home for many days caring for children and young people in a time of huge uncertainty. In order to support you at this time we have developed a menu of professional support and specific resources. The resources have been developed and prepared for you by experienced child and educational psychologists. We hope they are helpful.