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<p>On 8 January 2021, the department published updated guidance regarding the provision
of remote education during national lockdown while attendance is restricted: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/952443/210114_School_national_restrictions_guidance_FINAL_14012021.pdf"
target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/952443/210114_School_national_restrictions_guidance_FINAL_14012021.pdf</a>.</p><p>This
includes guidance for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
<br> <br> During the period of national lockdown, primary, secondary, alternative
provision and special schools will remain open to vulnerable children and young people,
including those with an education, health and care plan. For pupils with SEND, their
teachers are best-placed to know how the pupil’s needs can be most effectively met
to ensure they continue to make progress even if they are not able to be in school
due to COVID-19. The requirement for schools to use their best endeavours to secure
the special educational provision called for by the pupils’ special educational needs
remains in place. Where possible, special schools should follow the age-related guidance
for primary schools and secondary schools.</p><p>Schools should work collaboratively
with families, putting in place reasonable adjustments as necessary, so that pupils
with SEND can successfully access remote education alongside their peers. All further
education (FE) providers should give particular consideration on how best to support
vulnerable and disadvantaged students and students with special educational needs
who may not be able to access remote education without support.</p><p>The government
is investing over £400 million to support access to remote education and online social
care, including securing 1.3 million laptops and tablets for disadvantaged children
and young people. This includes over 800,000 laptops and tablets that were delivered
to schools, academy trusts and local authorities by 17 January 2021.</p><p>In addition,
the department has also made £4.84 million available for the Oak National Academy,
both for the summer term of the academic year 2019-20, and then for the 2020-21 academic
year, to provide video lessons in a broad range of subjects for Reception up to year
11. Specialist content for pupils with SEND is also available. This covers communication
and language, numeracy, creative arts, independent living, physical development and
early development learning. Additionally, the Oak National Academy offers therapy-based
lessons and resources across occupational, physical, sensory and speech and language
therapy.</p><p>We have provided additional funding to one of our Demonstrators, National
Star College, to provide training in assistive technologies to school teachers, leaders
and special educational needs coordinators (SENCo). This training can be accessed
by all state-funded schools and is available via the SEND hub: <a href="https://www.nationalstar.org/products-services-facilities/star-technology/accessible-tech/send-support-hub/?doing_wp_cron=1610617013.4222929477691650390625"
target="_blank">https://www.nationalstar.org/products-services-facilities/star-technology/accessible-tech/send-support-hub/?doing_wp_cron=1610617013.4222929477691650390625</a>.
The training has been designed to help secure remote education arrangements for pupils
with special educational needs, with advice and guidance is also available to support
the development of an inclusive curriculum. Between now and 31 March 2021, National
Star College will:</p><ul><li>Boost the support available through the Demonstrator
Network, through training specifically targeted on SEND practice using accessible
technology in order to ensure skills and knowledge sustainability within the Demonstrator
network.</li><li>Provide teacher and SENCo training through online learning covering
teaching techniques, accessibility considerations and assessment methodologies.</li><li>Offer
leadership training focused on inclusive curriculum design.</li><li>Pupil assessments,
partnering with demonstrators and SENCos to guide them through an initial assessment
of pupil need before any interventions take place.</li><li>Weekly training webinars
(between 20 to 40 mins every Thursday at 4:15pm) focusing on the best ways to integrate
accessible technology into classrooms – enabling teachers to improve the outcomes
for all of their pupils. The webinars can be found here: <a href="https://www.nationalstar.org/products-services-facilities/star-technology/accessible-tech/?doing_wp_cron=1610617612.5390760898590087890625"
target="_blank">https://www.nationalstar.org/products-services-facilities/star-technology/accessible-tech/?doing_wp_cron=1610617612.5390760898590087890625</a>.<p>
</p></li></ul><p> </p><p>There is a wide range of resources available to support schools
and FE providers to meet the expectations we have set. The Get Help with Remote Education
page on gov.uk provides a one-stop-shop for teachers and leaders, signposting the
support package available: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-help-with-remote-education"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-help-with-remote-education</a>. This
includes helping schools and colleges to access technology that supports remote education,
as well as peer-to-peer training and guidance on how to use technology effectively.
It also includes practical tools, a good practice guide and school-led webinars to
support effective delivery of the curriculum, information on issues such as safeguarding
and statutory duties and expectations information for supporting pupils and students
with SEND, as well as signposting support for recovery and catch up.</p>
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