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<p>As both my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer
have made clear, the government will do whatever it takes to support people affected
by COVID-19.</p><p>The COVID-19 guidance on vulnerable and young children was published
on 22 March, and explains the practicalities for local authorities and other providers
in light of school and college closures. Which is available at:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-on-vulnerable-children-and-young-people</a>.</p><p>Further
guidance on risk assessments was published on 19 April: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance</a>.</p><p>We
are asking local authorities to work with educational providers, families and the
child or young person to carry out a risk assessment to judge whether a vulnerable
child or young person, including those with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan,
is able to attend a school or other educational setting or can be supported more safely
at home. They will need to judge how best to meet the needs of these children and
young people, including whether some of the support they require can be provided at
home. Local authorities will also need to consider how to ensure they can continue
to assess children’s needs, including conducting EHC needs assessments through virtual
means, whether those children are school or home based at this time.</p><p>We are
working closely with a range of charities and other organisations to support children
and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, such as the Council
for Disabled Children, Contact and the National Network of Parent Carer Forums, and
have taken on board their views when framing guidance.</p><p>These are rapidly developing
circumstances; we continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament
updated accordingly.</p><p> </p>
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