Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Covid-19
2020-09-07
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The pandemic has presented unique challenges for children with SEND, necessitating tailored support as schools reopen.
What steps will be taken to ensure that special schools, particularly those catering to physically disabled students like the Pace Centre in Henley, receive advice and support specific to their pupils' physical needs and circumstances?
We have worked with the sector to provide detailed guidance which is continuously updated, allowing for specialist therapists and clinicians to attend school sites. Additionally, £1 billion of catch-up funding will see three times more allocated to special schools than mainstream schools.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Children's Commissioner for England has expressed concern over the risk of excluding SEND children who struggle readjusting from schools.
Will the Government ensure that permanent exclusions will not be used as a zero-tolerance measure towards challenging behaviour, and commit to reporting on the number of excluded students with SEND?
Permanent exclusion should only be used as a last resort, must be lawful, reasonable and fair. We have asked all schools to be understanding of children's needs upon return. This was covered in my open letter to SEND families last week. Off-rolling is never acceptable and will be monitored by Ofsted.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy