Letter to editor of English newspaper highlighting the problem and appealing to the government open special schools for such students
Answers
Explanation:
The government wants to keep the “majority” of special schools open amid the coronavirus crisis, and will move staff into those with shortages if necessary to avoid closure.
Some schools with highly vulnerable pupils shut this week after government guidance on Monday stated people with underlying health issues should observe social distancing, with staff also having to stay at home.
But on Wednesday, education secretary Gavin Williamson said schools would remain open for children of key workers and vulnerable children, including those on education, health and care plans (EHCPs). The government will also have powers to force schools to stay open.
When asked for clarity on Thursday the Department for Education said special schools – which have high numbers of EHCP pupils – and councils should “make assessments on a case-by-case basis of the health and safeguarding considerations of pupils and students on an EHCP”.