Covid-19 Vulnerable Children 2020-05-05
2020-05-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the welfare of vulnerable children including those in care and with special educational needs.
What specific support is being provided by the Department to vulnerable children, such as children in care and those with special educational needs like dyslexia?
We have been working across the sector to provide clear guidance on supporting children with special educational needs. Tailored advice, support, and online resources have been provided for children in various special educational need settings, as well as for families educating at home.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The Children's Commissioner raised concerns about reduced legal protections for children in care.
Does the Secretary of State agree with the Children's Commissioner that the Government's latest reduction in legal protections for children in care, without proper scrutiny or an opportunity to scrutinise, is not justified?
We worked closely with ADCS on regulations that allow flexibilities in response to concerns raised about providing the best care during the crisis. These are temporary measures, not intended to continue once the crisis ends.
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Q3
Direct Answer
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The MP highlights that only 5% of vulnerable children are currently in school, with many potentially exposed to online harms and not accessing education.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that a catch-up premium will be necessary to provide tuition, mentoring, and wellbeing support for these children as schools reopen?
I join my right hon. Friend in paying tribute to teachers and support staff, and I am interested in his ideas about catching up lost learning time. We are exploring concepts like tuition, mentoring, and wellbeing support as part of ensuring no child misses out due to the crisis.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy