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<p>Ensuring that vulnerable children remain protected is a top priority for government.
We know that, for many vulnerable children, attending an education setting is a protective
factor from harm. We have therefore asked schools to remain open for children who
are vulnerable, as well as for those children of workers critical to the COVID-19
response. Where a child or young person who has a social worker does not attend school,
providers should follow up with the parent or carer – and social worker/local authority,
where appropriate – to explore reasons for absence.</p><p>Our latest guidance on supporting
vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus outbreak can be found
at:</p><p><a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/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</a>.</p><p>Local
authorities have the key day-to-day responsibility for delivery of children’s social
care, and we are working closely with them to ensure stability of services for our
most vulnerable children.</p><p>In addition, through the Coronavirus Act 2020 we have
taken powers to bring previously registered social workers onto the register of social
workers held by the regulator, Social Work England. Information about this is available
at: <a href="http://www.socialworkengland.org.uk/news/social-work-together/" target="_blank">www.socialworkengland.org.uk/news/social-work-together/</a>.</p><p>£3.2
billion of additional funding is being provided to support local authorities to address
any pressures they are facing in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including for
delivering children’s social care.</p><p>The government is also making £1.6 million
of funding available immediately for the NSPCC to expand and promote its national
helpline for adults. Expanding the helpline will mean that many more adults know how
and where to raise concerns and seek advice or support about the safety and well-being
of any children they are worried about.</p><p>We have also published safeguarding
advice to support schools and colleges to work with local authorities to keep children
safe, including online. This advice is available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-safeguarding-in-schools-colleges-and-other-providers/coronavirus-covid-19-safeguarding-in-schools-colleges-and-other-providers"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-safeguarding-in-schools-colleges-and-other-providers/coronavirus-covid-19-safeguarding-in-schools-colleges-and-other-providers</a>.</p>
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