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10 Jul 20

Coronavirus information (updated)

Guidance for schools and other educational settings on the coronavirus, COVID-19, and information for members. Updated 10 July 2020: England: Coronavirus (COVID-19): reducing burdens on educational and care settings Updated guidance. More DfE updates.

Northern Ireland:  Update on additional support measures for children this summer 

Updated 9 July 2020: Wales: 900 extra teaching staff in plan to “Recruit, recover and raise standards”  /   Education Minister announces ‘back to school’ plans for September  /  Written Statement: Arrangements for Schools in September and Technical Advisory Group paper  / Voice Cymru comments on September plans and extra teaching staff

Updated 8 July 2020: Voice: FAQs (Latest updates:  Health and Safety.)

Wales: Wales’ Test, Trace, Protect Strategy: COVID-19 Guidance for Education Settings (pdf)

Scotland: Early learning and childcare: letter to Directors of Education ELC LA leads (8 July 2020)
Joint letter from COSLA and Minister for Children and Young People Maree Todd MSP to Directors of Education, early learning and childcare (ELC) local authority leads. The statutory entitlement to ELC from 11 August will remain 600 hours. The legal obligation to increase provision to 1140 hours from August 2020 has been suspended.

Northern Ireland: Weir announces free wi-fi scheme for disadvantaged pupils

Information for Voice members:

Click here for government guidance for each UK country. 

Voice:

Follow Voice on Facebook and Twitter (@Voicetheunion, @VoiceCymru, @VoiceScotland) for news, shared content and resources.

Voice comment below

COVID-19 - Staying safe at work: This new booklet is to help employers, employees and the self-employed understand how to work safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. (17 June 2020)

FAQs (Latest updates:  8 July 2020: Health and Safety.)

Voice gives cautious welcome to catch-up scheme in England but disappointed by exclusion of early years and post-16 (19 June 2020)

Case studies:

Resources:

Learning and Activity Resources (updated 17 April 2020)  

Useful contacts/websites/help for self-employed

Coronavirus: Proposed Protection for Self-Employed and Freelancers

Rights for members with absence relating to Coronavirus / Covid-19

Advice for members about Coronavirus: services and contacts

Coronavirus update for members in Wales (17/18/19 March 2020)

SNCT update on COVID-19 and self-isolation  (3 March 2020)

NCSC Home working guidance (17 March 2020)

Voice Rewards

Comment:  

Government Coronavirus/COVID-19 guidance:

Scroll down for each UK country, or click here: England, Scotland,  Wales, Northern Ireland, UK Government/Treasury

England

Ofqual, Ofsted etc  DfE

Prime Minister

PM press conference statement on the five tests: 28 May 2020
“Firstly, as I set out on Sunday, we will now reopen schools to more children. Closing schools has deprived children of their education, and as so often it is the most disadvantaged pupils who risk being hardest hit. On Monday we will start to put this right - in a safe way - by reopening nurseries and other early years settings and reception, year one and year six in primary schools. A fortnight later on 15 June, secondary schools will begin to provide some face-to-face contact time for years 10 and 12.”

SAGE

Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE): Coronavirus (COVID-19) response  (22 May 2020)

The DfE published its Overview of scientific information on coronavirus (COVID-19) on 15 May 2020.

Department for Education (DfE)

Helpline: Phone: 0800 046 8687  (Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday))
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

Teaching Blog: "For teachers by teachers"

Updates 10 July 2020:

Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Updated Guidance

Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak  Updated Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): reducing burdens on educational and care settings Updated guidance

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Collection 7 July 2020

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak: 23 March to 2 July 2020  Official statistics 7 July 2020

Managing school premises during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak  Guidance 7 July 2020

Changes to the law on education, health and care needs assessments and plans due to coronavirus (COVID-19)  Updated guidance. 6 July 2020

Updates: 2 July 2020:

Local authority children’s services: coronavirus (COVID-19) Collection

Further and higher education: coronavirus (COVID-19) Collection

Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19) Collection

Higher education: reopening buildings and campuses Guidance

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak  Guidance

Schools and colleges to reopen in full in September Press release DfE

Education Secretary's statement on coronavirus (COVID-19): 02 July 2020   Speech, DfE

Guidance for full opening: special schools and other specialist settings Guidance

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Guidance
Main changes to previous guidance:

We have updated this guidance as follows:

  • set out a change to the protective measures in early years settings that will be effective from 20 July, removing the requirement to keep children in small consistent groups within settings but still minimising mixing where possible (sections 2.1 and 3.3)
  • new content on risk assessment (3.1), supporting staff with increased risk factors (3.2) and system of controls (3.3)
  • updated content on attendance at settings for those shielding, with changes to the advice effective from 1 August, and removal of content on vulnerable children since settings are open for all children (section 4)
  • updated content on wraparound care (5.3)
  • an update on Early Years Foundation Stage reforms (7.6) and Reception Baseline Assessment (7.7)

Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance DfE
What all schools will need to do during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak from the start of the autumn term.

Arrangements for examinations and assessments in 2020/21 Correspondence DfE and Ofqual

 

Updates: 1 July 2020:

 

Local lockdowns: guidance for education and childcare settings Guidance

Reforms set to boost early language outcomes and cut workload Press release DfE

Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Guidance

Early adopter schools: EYFS profile handbook Guidance

Early adopter schools: EYFS framework Guidance

Early years foundation stage reforms  Consultation outcome

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children's social care services Guidance

Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Guidance

Providing free school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak 30 June 2020 Guidance

Guidance for schools: coronavirus (COVID-19) 30 June 2020 Collection

COVID Summer Food Fund  30 June 2020  Detailed guide

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Guidance Updated 30 June 2020

Updates: 29 June 2020:

Changes to the law on education, health and care needs assessments and plans due to coronavirus (COVID-19) Guidance DfE

Modification notice: school registration legislation changes Decision DfE

Modification notice: education, health and care plans legislation changes Decision DfE

Disapplication notice: school attendance legislation changes Decision DfE

Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes Decision DfE

Get technology support for children and schools during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide DfE

PM announces transformative school rebuilding programme Press release DfE and Number 10

College collaboration fund (CCF) Detailed guide DfE

Student number controls  26 June 2020 Guidance DfE

Vulnerable children to get better support when moving school 26 June 2020 Press release DfE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): reducing burdens on educational and care settings 26 June 2020 Guidance DfE

Reception Baseline Assessment FAQs
Today [25 June 2020] we have announced that the statutory introduction of the Reception Baseline Assessment will be delayed for a year because of the issues brought about by the Covid 19 pandemic. But what is the RBA? Here are some helpful questions …

Providing free school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Guidance DfE  25 June 2020

COVID Summer Food Fund Detailed guide DfE 25 June 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19): keeping children safe online  Updated Guidance DCMS, DfE and Home Office 25 June 2020

Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak  Guidance 25 June 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Keeping children safe from abuse and harm Guidance 25 June 2020

Updates, 23 June 2020:

Actions for early years and childcare providers Updated Guidance (early years providers opening and additional information on protective measures)

Student number controls- measures to protect students and universities during the coronavirus outbreak  Further Guidance 

Alternative provision-year 11 transition funding   Update Guidance (claim form, eligibility and access to funding)

Online education resources for home learning  Guidance DfE 24 June 2020

School funding: exceptional costs associated with coronavirus (COVID-19)  Guidance  24 June 2020

Updates: 18/19 June 2020:

Billion pound Covid catch-up plan to tackle impact of lost teaching time Press release DfE and Number 10

Extended powers SEND tribunal: national trial 18 June 2020 Guidance DfE and HMCTS

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Guidance DfE

Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening Guidance DfE

Updated guidance 16/17 June 2020:

FE funding: initial teacher education (ITE), academic year 2020 to 2021

Keeping children safe in education

Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care

Critical workers who can access schools or educational settings

Primary schools to be given flexibility to bring back more pupils Press release 15 June 2020

Making the most of reduced classroom time  Detailed guide 12 June 2020
Deciding what to teach in the classroom and what to teach at home.

Case studies: remote education practice for schools during coronavirus (COVID-19) 12 June 2020

Oral statement by Education Secretary, 9 June 2020

Update: 7 June 2020:

Extra mental health support for pupils and teachers Press release DfE and DHSC

Update 5 June 2020:

Information for providers to help reduce the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on their ITT provision: Updated Guidance

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak Updated Guidance

Updates 4 June 2020:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): initial teacher training (ITT) Guidance DfE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings Collection Cabinet Office, DfE and PHE

Preparing for the wider opening of schools from 1 June Guidance

Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

Higher education: reopening buildings and campuses Guidance

Updates 2 June 2020:

What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance DfE

Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Guidance DfE and ESFA

Updates 29 May - 2 June 2020:

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak Updated Guidance

Student number controls Guidance

What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak Updated Guidance

Early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS) Statutory guidance

Critical workers who can access schools or educational settings Guidance Cabinet Office and DfE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): safer travel guidance for passengers
Walking, cycling, and travelling in vehicles or on public transport during the coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings Guidance 

Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020 Guidance

School attendance: guidance for schools Guidance 

Changes to the law on education, health and care needs assessments and plans due to coronavirus Guidance

Modification notice: education health and care plans legislation changes Decision DfE

Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes Decision DfE

Modification notice: school registration legislation changes Decision DfE

Disapplication notice: school attendance legislation changes  Decision DfE

Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

Updates: 28 May 2020:

Providing free school meals during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Guidance

Recording attendance during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak Guidance

Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19)  Detailed guide

Updates 26/27 May 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings Guidance DfE and PHE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care Guidance DfE

Attendance in education and early years settings during the coronavirus outbreak  Transparency data DfE

Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening  Guidance

Preparing for the wider opening of schools from 1 June  (primary and secondary)  Guidance

Updates: 25 May 2020:

Guidance for secondary school provision from 15 June 2020

Updates: 24 May 2020 (with comment from General Secretary):

Planning guide for early years and childcare settings
The government announced a roadmap towards recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and plans for welcoming all children back to early years settings and a phased return of some children to school from 1 June at the earliest. This planning guide is intended to provide information and support for all early years providers in England as they prepare to open for all children.

PM confirms schools, colleges and nurseries on track to begin phased reopening
From 1 June schools, colleges and nurseries are set to open to more children....[Prime Minister] "also acknowledged that some schools may not be able to reopen immediately, and committed the government to continuing to work with the sector ....It also remains the case that schools will only reopen to more children if the government’s five tests are met by Thursday 28 May....In the coming days, the Prime Minister will set out the government’s progress in meeting these five tests, which are..

Updates 22 May 2020:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020 Updated guidance

Responsibility for autumn GCSE, AS and A level exam series Updated guidance

Reporting to parents at the end of key stages 1 and 2 Detailed guide, STA

School reports on pupil performance: guide for headteachers Detailed guide, DfE, STA

Case studies: remote education practice for schools during coronavirus (COVID-19) Collection

Adapting teaching practice for remote education Detailed guide

Adapting teaching practice for remote education at a special needs secondary school Case study DfE

Providing physical work packs for pupils with limited or no internet connection  Case study

A mixed approach to remote education at a primary school Case study

Safeguarding and remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Supporting wellbeing Detailed guide

Actions for HE providers during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

Supporting your children's education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Help primary school children continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Help secondary school children continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

New measures announced ahead of Hidden Harms Summit Press release DfE, Home Office, MOJ and Number 10

What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance DfE

Early years ITT requirements and supporting advice Guidance

Overview of scientific information on coronavirus (COVID-19) Correspondence DfE 15 May 2020

Updates 12/13 May 2020:

Schools reopening Q&A (12 May 2020)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings Collection Cabinet Office, DfE and PHE

Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak  Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID 19): online education resources Guidance

Details on phased wider opening of schools, colleges and nurseries Press release DfE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings Collection Cabinet Office, DfE and PHE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings Guidance DfE

Actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020  Guidance DfE

What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance DfE

Updates: 6 May 2020:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for children's social care services  Guidance DfE

Coronavirus (COVID 19): online education resources Guidance DfE

Updates: 7 May 2020

Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

Conducting a SEND risk assessment during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance DfE

Updates: 5 May 2020:

Remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Keeping pupils motivated and engaged Detailed guide

Adapting the curriculum for remote education Detailed guide

Adapting teaching practice for remote education Detailed guide

Supporting pupils’ wellbeing Detailed guide

Remote education practice for schools during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Case studies: remote education practice for schools during coronavirus (COVID-19) Collection

Supporting primary and secondary pupils’ wellbeing at an academy Case study

Supporting the wellbeing of primary pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Case study

Supporting primary and secondary pupils’ wellbeing at a multi-academy trust (MAT) Case study

Adaptive teaching design Case study

Using a virtual learning environment Case study

Using digital teaching tools Case study

Using video lessons Case study

Adapting the primary school curriculum Case study

Adapting the secondary science curriculum Case study

Adapting the secondary geography curriculum Case study

Adapting the secondary curriculum across multiple subjects Case study

Keeping primary and secondary pupils motivated and engaged at a distance Case study

Supporting engagement in learning for primary pupils when direct communication is limited Case study

Critical workers who can access schools or educational settings Guidance Cabinet Office and DfE

Eligibility for government childcare offers protected  Press release DfE and HMRC

Coronavirus (COVID-19): attendance in education and early years settings Transparency data DfE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel advice for educational settings Updated Guidance DfE and PHE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings Collection Cabinet Office, DfE and PHE

Actions for HE providers during the coronavirus outbreak  Guidance DfE

Updates 1-4 May 2020:

Get technology support for children and schools during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide DfE

Government support package for universities and students Press release DfE and BEIS

Emergency funding to support most vulnerable in society during pandemic  Press release MHCLG, DCMS, DfE, Home Office and MOJ

What parents and carers need to know about schools and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance DfE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020 Guidance DfE

Induction for newly qualified teachers during the coronavirus outbreak  Guidance 1 May 2020

Updates: 30 April 2020:

Changes to the law on education, health and care needs assessments and plans due to coronavirus Guidance

SEND code of practice: 0 to 25 years Statutory guidance DfE and DHSC

School attendance: guidance for schools Guidance

School behaviour and attendance: parental responsibility measures Statutory guidance

Modification notice: EHC plans legislation changes Decision

Disapplication notice: school inspections legislation changes  Decision

Modification notice: school registration legislation changes Decision

Disapplication notice: school attendance legislation changes Decision

Updates: 28 April 2020:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings Collection, Cabinet Office, DfE and PHE

Use of free early education entitlements funding during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance DfE

Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance DfE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): attendance in education and early years settings Transparency data

New free online learning platform to boost workplace skills News story

Updates: 23/24/27 April 2020:

 Early years foundation stage: coronavirus disapplications
To support early years providers who remain open to vulnerable children and children of critical workers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the Government has temporarily disapplied and modified certain elements of the EYFS statutory framework. This will allow providers greater flexibility to respond to changes in workforce availability and potential fluctuations in demand, while still providing care that is high quality and safe. The temporary changes include:

  • providers are not required to meet existing learning and development requirements, but instead should use reasonable endeavours to meet them during the COVID-19 period
  • providers are not required to undertake the EYFS profile assessment in 2019/20 academic year, and accordingly local authorities are not required to collect or moderate data on this
  • providers are not required to undertake the 2 year progress check during the coronavirus (COVID-19) period
  • exceptions are allowed to the qualifications that staff hold in order to be counted in ratio requirements
  • requirements around paediatric first aid (where children aged 2-5 years old are on-site). For those caring for children aged 2-5, providers must use their ‘best endeavours’ to ensure one person with a full PFA certificate is on-site at all times when children are present. If after using best endeavours they are still unable to secure a member of staff with PFA to be on site then they must carry out a written risk assessment and ensure that someone with a current First Aid at Work or emergency PFA certification is on site at all times children are on premises.
  • There is no longer the requirement for new entrants to hold PFA certification to count in ratios during this period. 

More here

Early years foundation stage statutory framework (EYFS) Statutory guidance

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings CollectionCabinet Office, DfE and PHE

Admission appeals for school places Guidance    School admissions appeals code Statutory guidance

Using clusters and hubs to maintain educational provision Guidance

Providing apprenticeships during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

Providing free school meals during the coronavirus outbreak Updated Guidance

Actions for FE colleges and providers during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

Schools to benefit from education partnership with tech giants Press release

Get technology support for children and schools during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Multi-million support for vulnerable children during COVID-19 Press release

Managing school premises during the coronavirus outbreak  Guidance

Councils given flexibility with free childcare funding  Press Release 23 April 2020

Government to extend testing for coronavirus to more frontline workers (Department of Health & Social Care) (23 April 2020)
Access to testing for those with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) will be extended across England to include additional frontline workers and symptomatic members of their household.

Updated Guidance, 22 April 2020:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care

Updated Guidance, 21 April 2020:

Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus outbreak 

Attendance in education settings

SEND risk assessment guidance for special schools, specialist colleges, local authorities and other settings  

Guidance on data collection and reducing burdens on educational and care settings  

 Guidance about COVID-19 for schools and other educational settings

Q&A on vulnerable children and young people:  

Q&A for parents and carers  

Q&A for schools

Updates: 20 April 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19): free school meals guidance Updated guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): reducing burdens on educational and care settings  Guidance

Updates: 19 April 2020:

Get help with technology for remote education during coronavirus (COVID-1  Detailed guide

Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

What parents and carers need to know about schools and education during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

Gavin Williamson speech on COVID-19 response Speech

Coronavirus (COVID-19): SEND risk assessment guidance Guidance

Supporting vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus outbreak Guidance

Get help with technology for remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Supporting your children's education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Help children aged 2 to 4 to learn at home during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Help children with SEND continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Safeguarding and remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

New major package to support online learning News story DfE

Remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Help primary school children continue their education during coronavirus (COVID-19) Detailed guide

Updates: 16/17 April 2020 :

Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for education, early years and children’s social care Guidance

Closure of educational settings: information for parents and carers  Guidance Updated 16 April 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19): early years and childcare closures Guidance  Updated 15 April 2020

Updates: 14 April 2020:

Post-graduate teaching apprenticeships

Schools admissions appeals

Updates: 8 April 2020:

Coronavirus and school closures
Today's blog looks at media reports based on speculation that schools could reopen after the Easter holidays. The Department for Education has issued a statement in response to reports that schools may reopen after the Easter holidays….position on closures is clear: schools will remain closed until the scientific advice indicates it is safe to open them…except for children of critical workers and the children who are most vulnerable.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings
Guidance to support management of children and young people in residential educational settings, including boarding schools, residential special schools and specialist colleges and children’s homes.

Updates: 7 April 2020:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): initial teacher training (ITT)
Information for providers about managing initial teacher training courses impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings Collection

Extra support for schools and parents to help cope with coronavirus Press release

Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing social distancing in education and childcare settings Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): free school meals guidance Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): financial support for schools Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID 19): online education resources Guidance

Update 6 April 2020:

Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers and assessment organisations in response to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19)

Updates: 3 April 2020

Direction issued to the Chief Regulator of Ofqual Correspondence

Coronavirus (COVID-19): attendance recording for educational settings Guidance

Updates: 1 April 2020:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): induction for newly qualified teachers Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings Collection

Updates: 31 March 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19): school closures  Guidance

Voucher scheme launches for schools providing free school meals:

Updates 26 March 2020:

COVID-19: guidance for educational settings Guidance DfE and PHE

Coronavirus (COVID-19): attendance recording for educational settings Guidance DfE

Updates (25 March 2020):

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on vulnerable children and young people  Guidance DfE and PHE

School governance update Correspondence

Coronavirus (COVID-19): travel advice for educational settings Guidance DfE and PHE

COVID-19: guidance for educational settings Guidance DfE and PHE

Updates (24 March 2020):

Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing social distancing in education and childcare settings

Letter from Children and Families Minister Vicky Ford MP to the SEND sector (pdf)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for schools and other educational settings (updated collection of guidance for education settings)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): early years and childcare closures

Coronavirus (COVID-19): maintaining further education provision

Coronavirus (COVID-19): apprenticeship programme response

COVID-19: school closures  (22 March 2020)

Further details on exams and grades announced (20 March 2020)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on isolation for residential educational settings   (21 March 2020)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): maintaining educational provision  (19 March 2020)

Closure of educational settings: information for parents and carers  (19 March 2020)

Plans set out to support pupils eligible for free school meals (19 March 2020)

Statement from the Prime Minister on school and nursery closures (18 March 2020)
See Ofqual below for exams statement

DfE: Schools, colleges and early years settings to close

Watch the Commons statement and debate

Public Health England / Department for Education

Free childcare offers to continue during coronavirus closures (DfE) (17 March 2020)

COVID-19: travel guidance for the education sector (12 March 2020)

Guidance to educational settings about COVID-19  (updated 19 March 2020)
Guidance for schools and other educational settings in providing advice about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.

Education Secretary's speech at ASCL's Annual Conference (13 March 2020)

Ofqual

Requirements for the calculation of results in summer 2020  Guidance 7 July 2020

Ofqual launches consultation on 2021 exams and assessments  News  2 July 2020

Updates: 30 June 2020

Ofqual publishes more details on appeals and confirms autumn exam arrangements News story

Consultation on statutory guidance in relation to the GQCovid regulatory framework Open consultation

Consultation on an additional GCSE, AS and A level exam series in autumn 2020 Consultation outcome

Impact of coursework on attainment dependent on student characteristics Research and analysis

Guidance:  Letter to Heads of Centre - Awarding results in vocational and technical qualifications in summer 2020  18 June 2020

Awarding qualifications in summer 2020 Updated Guidance 9 June 2020

Updates: 22 May 2020:

Extraordinary regulatory framework: VTQ, Covid-19 Conditions and Requirements Regulation

Exceptional arrangements for exam grading and assessment in 2020 Consultation outcome

Consultation on an additional GCSE, AS and A level exam series in autumn 2020 Open consultation

Understand our rules Detailed guide

Ofqual GCSE and A level consultation outcomes and autumn exam series proposals News story

Awarding qualifications in summer 2020 Guidance

Exceptional arrangements for assessment and grading in 2020 Consultation outcome

Ofqual decisions on awarding vocational and technical qualifications this summer News story

Exceptional arrangements for awarding qualifications this summer News story

Awarding qualifications in summer 2020  Updated Guidance 30 April/ 5/14 May 2020

Statement on our updated guidance for private candidates  News 30 April 2020

Updates: 24 April 2020:

Awarding qualifications in summer 2020  Updated Guidance

Response to 9 April direction from Secretary of State for Education Correspondence

Exceptional arrangements for assessment and grading in 2020 Open consultation

Ofqual consultation on awarding vocational and technical qualifications in summer 2020 News

Earlier updates:

GCSEs, AS and A level awarding: summer 2020 Guidance

Awarding qualifications in summer 2020  Guidance 3/16 April 2020

Awarding vocational and technical qualifications this summer 9 April 2020

Arrangements for summer 2020 (blog)  9 April 2020

How GCSEs, AS & A levels will be awarded in summer 2020 3 April 2020

GCSEs, AS and A level awarding: summer 2020 Guidance

Further update on 2020 exams 26 March 2020

Statement on vocational and technical qualifications in 2020   25 March 2020

DfE/Ofqual Q&A on exams (20 March 2020)

Coronavirus - a further statement (20 March 2020)

Updated statement on coronavirus (6 March 2020)

Update on exams and assessments (28 February 2020)

Ofsted

Ofsted suspends all routine inspections  (17 March 2020)

Routine Ofsted inspections suspended in response to coronavirus (17 March 2020)

DfE

Helpline: Phone: 0800 046 8687  (Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday))
Email: DfE.coronavirushelpline@education.gov.uk

Local Government Association

Information for councils

Scotland

Scottish Government, SNCT, SQA, GTCS below

COSLA

26 June 2020

Guidance for education and childcare settings on implementing physical distancing and the use of Personal Protective Equipment during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak (pdf) (14 May 2020)

Scottish Government / COSLA: Supporting coronavirus key workers (24 March 2020)

Workforce Issues Advisory Group

Voice Scotland has accepted an invitation from COSLA to participate in a ‘Workforce Issues Advisory Group’, involving HR advisers and the trade unions, which provides a platform to discuss and agree appropriate and consistent approaches across councils on workforce issues arising as a consequence of the spread of coronavirus Covid-19. The work of the group will be advisory and it will be for each council to make decisions based on local circumstances and national advice as matters develop. (16 March 2020)

GTCS

 
FAQs (19 March 2020)
 
 
Update for probationer teachers on our position regarding Covid-19.   (16 March 2020)
 
Joint statement from GTCS and the Scottish Council of Deans of Education on contingency plans in response to Covid-19. (16 March 2020)
 

Scottish Parliament

Scottish Government

Early learning and childcare: letter to Directors of Education ELC LA leads (8 July 2020)
Joint letter from COSLA and Minister for Children and Young People Maree Todd MSP to Directors of Education, early learning and childcare (ELC) local authority leads. The statutory entitlement to ELC from 11 August will remain 600 hours. The legal obligation to increase provision to 1140 hours from August 2020 has been suspended.

2 July 2020:

COVID-19 Advisory Group: physical distancing advice: Advice commissioned by the First Minister and Chief Medical Officer on 2 metre distancing.
6. Are there any particular issues to consider in relation to schools and physical distancing? And is there evidence from other countries that could support alternative approaches?
With regards to distancing among children in schools, the evidence suggests that there is little difference in the risk of virus transmission between 1m and 2m distancing, however 2m distancing carries with it an emotional and logistical cost. Maintaining a 2m distancing in schools severely restricts the number of children who can be taught at any one time. The adverse effects of lack of schooling on children has been highlighted by many education experts. Similar arguments apply to further and higher education. It should be noted that there is broad consensus in the group that 2m distancing in schools will not be necessary should the situation remain as it is currently. The group supports the work and approach to developing advice being taken in the Subgroup on Education and Children’s Issues. Mitigation measures should remain in place for adults present in school, and the importance of hand hygiene and surface cleaning should be reinforced to both children and adults.

Safe return to college and university Guidance, 25 June 2020

Updates: 25 June 2020:

Education Recovery Group
Group continues work to develop plans for full reopening of schools.

Return to full-time schooling

Skills Academy

Re-opening of schools
Deputy First Minister John Swinney updates Parliament on plans to reopen schools, 23 June 2020

Review of additional support for learning implementation: report Published: 19 Jun 2020
Report from an independent review of the implementation of the additional support for learning legislation which began in September 2019 and concluded with the submission of this report and recommendations to Scottish Ministers and COSLA.

Education Scotland:

Free school meals extended  16 June 2020

Reopening childcare safely  15 June 2020
Guidance published for nurseries and other settings:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): letter from Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science to the Community Learning and Development Sector 12 June 2020

Summer support for students 11 June 2020

Scottish Government Early Learning and Childcare Covid-19 Update, No. 3 – 9 June 2020 (pdf)

8 June 2020:
5 June 2020:
 
Education Recovery Group letter from Scottish Government and COSLA: Advice on priorities for teachers and other school staff: June 2020 (pdf)
Brief update on the work of the Education Recovery Group, links to key guidance and four key priorities for June
 

28/29 May 2020

Information for childcare providers (pdf)

Outdoor learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Coronavirus (COVID-19): re-opening schools guide
Non-statutory guidance for local authorities and schools in their planning for a safe, phased opening in August 2020.

27 May 2020:

26 May 2020:

Safe return to schools and nurseries

21 May 2020:

Schools to re-open in August
Safe return planned through mix of school and home learning.
Pupils will return to schools in August subject to scientific advice that it is safe to do so, Deputy First Minister John Swinney has confirmed.
Schools will return on 11 August, one week earlier than planned for most pupils, while Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings will open over the summer.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): strategic framework for reopening schools, early learning and childcare provision

Initial Impact Assessment on the Strategic Framework for Reopening Schools and Early Learning and Childcare Settings in Scotland

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Framework for Decision Making - Scotland's route map through and out of the crisis

Health Protection Scotland: COVID-19 Guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): physical distancing in education and childcare settings (15 May 2020)

Supporting Pupils, Parents And Teachers – Learning During Term 4 (pdf) (14 May 2020)

Early years and PPE video (May 2020)


 

 

Update: 27 April 2020 (pdfs):

 


 

Coronavirus (COVID-19): childcare closures and emergency provision (24 April 2020)

COVID-19: A Framework for Decision-Making (23 April 2020)
"We will engage with experts in each sector to understand the practical consequences, for example, of what physical distancing would mean for schools and education."

Updates 20 April 2020:

Education Secretary welcomes SQA guidance
Advice will support the awarding of qualifications this summer:

Guidance: Supporting Pupils, Parents and Teachers – Learning During Term 4 is aimed at those working in Scotland’s education system.

Reassurance for students during coronavirus outbreak  (14 April 2020)

SAAS FAQs

Supporting universities (9 April 2020)

Extra hardship payments for students (8 April 2020)

Scottish Government Early Learning and Childcare Covid-19 Update No. 1 – 7 April 2020 (pdf)

Food fund guidance for local authorities (5 April 2020)

Easter childcare for key workers (3 April 2020)

Coronavirus (COVID-19): social distancing in education and childcare settings (30 March 2020)

Early Learning and Childcare expansion   (30 March 2020)
Local authorities’ August 2020 deadline to deliver 1140 funded hours will be removed.

Covid-19: Information for private and third sector childcare providers about business support (pdf) (25 March 2020)

Childcare provision for key workers  (20 March 2020)

Update on school closures and exams
Exams will not go ahead, teaching, learning and support can continue with local flexibility.  (19 March 2020)

Letter from the Deputy First Minister on school closures, exams and other arrangements (pdf) (19 March 2020)

Coronavirus (COVID19) – impact on education: Deputy First Minister speech (19 March 2020)

School and nursery closures: (18 March 2020)
Education Secretary to make statement to Parliament tomorrow. The three priorities will be:

  • supporting vulnerable pupils who rely on free school meals
  • how to address the issue of exams this year
  • how to put in place arrangements to support the children of key workers

There will not be a one size fits all approach across Scotland.

Coronavirus guidance issued for education providers
Specific advice for students and staff.

See here:  Health Protection Scotland: COVID-19 - guidance for non-healthcare settings (16 March 2020)

Deputy First MinisterJohn Swinney has updated Parliament on the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on Scotland’s schools (17 March 2020):
 

Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT)

SNCT 20/76: Arrangements for Re-opening Schools August 2020, CORONAVIRUS (COVID – 19) (pdf) (4 June 2020)
The Strategic Framework for the Reopening of Schools and ELC Provision confirms that the start date of the new term is standardised to 11 August 2020 on an exceptional basis for the purposes of managing COVID-19. This requires LNCTs to take decisions regarding the following issues....

SNCT Supply Teachers Job Retention Payment Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs (pdf) (28 May 2020)

Joint letter to John Swinney
Letter to the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills from the Teachers’ Side of the SNCT, including Voice Scotland, urging the Scottish Government to continue to exercise the greatest caution regarding the reopening of schools. (15 May 2020)

SNCT Advice on Working Time Agreements Session 2020-21 CORONAVIRUS - COVID–19 (pdf) (12 May 2020)

SNCT Teachers' Side letter to COSLA (6 May 2020)

SNCT JS/20/78 Supply Teachers Job Retention Scheme (pdf) (3 April 2020)
The SNCT has now given details regarding how the issue of payment for supply teachers not in a contract as at 20 March 2020 should be administered in all councils

SNCT 20/75 SNCT School Closures Coronavirus (COVID-19)  (pdf) (26 March 2020)

SNCT 20-74 Coronavirus COVID-19  (pdf) (13 March 2020)

SNCT update on COVID-19 and self-isolation  (3 March 2020)

SNCT Emergency Provision: Maintaining Continuity of Education (16 March 2020)

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)

SQA National Courses – Delivering Results in 2020  (20 April 2020)

Joint statement from SQA and Colleges Scotland - Update to colleges (3 April 2020)

SQA update on arrangements for quality assurance and the certification of National Courses and Awards – a message to schools and colleges (2 April 2020)

Joint statement from SQA and Colleges Scotland on Higher National certification (26 March 2020)

SQA statement on coursework for National Courses (24 March 2020)

Exams update (19 March 2020)

Scottish Government and SQA joint statement on the Coronavirus, and impact on August 2020 certification (18 March 2020)

SQA Statement on the Coronavirus, and impact on the National Qualifications 2020 Examinations Timetable (13 March 2020)

Universities Scotland

Scotland’s universities stay open and introduce measures to minimise impact of COVID-19 on students and staff (13 March 2020)

Wales

Estyn, Qualifications Wales, and other bodies

Coronavirus and Me survey results (Results of survey of children in Wales) (8 June 2020)

Welsh Government

Safeguarding poster (pdf)

Education Minister announces ‘back to school’ plans for September  Press release Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Written Statement: Arrangements for Schools in September and Technical Advisory Group paper Cabinet statement 

900 extra teaching staff in plan to “Recruit, recover and raise standards”  9 July 2020

Latest updates, 6 July 2020:

School categorisations to be suspended next year  Press release
The Welsh Government will suspend school categorisation for the 2020 to 2021 academic year, as part of its measures to reduce pressure on schools during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Extra funding to support children over the summer holidays in Wales  Press release

Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill  Collection

Curriculum and Assessment Bill Timeline  Guidance

Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill: Overview Guidance

Written Statement: Introduction of the Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Bill  Cabinet statement

Higher education and student support: coronavirus  Detailed guide 

Written Statement: Changes to the publication of qualification awards data due to coronavirus  Cabinet statement 

Changes to the School Organisation Code: coronavirus Guidance

Changes to school session times: coronavirus  Guidance

Registering temporary pupils: coronavirusGuidance

Device and connectivity update for digitally excluded learners: coronavirus   30 June 2020

Written Statement: COVID-19 Testing in Schools  26 June 2020

Updates: 25 June 2020:

Modification of section 3 of the Education Act 1996 (Wales) Notice 2020  Legislation

Modification of School Organisation Code (Wales) Notice 2020  Legislation

The Maintained Schools (Amendment of paragraph 7 of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 Legislation

Disapplication of Changing School Session Times Requirements (Wales) Notice 2020 Legislation

Latest updates, 23/4 June 2020:

Joint statement from Welsh Government, WLGA and support staff trade unions (pdf) (24 June 2020)

Vulnerable children and young people: coronavirus Detailed guide

Notice to disapply curriculum requirements Legislation

Written statement: Creating Flexibility for Schools & Settings – Disapplication of the Basic Curriculum Cabinet statement

Whole-School Approach to Mental Health and Well-being Stakeholder Reference Group meeting: 17 February 2020 Meeting

Data sharing to support the standardisation of GCSE results in summer 2020 Guidance

The Curriculum Requirements (Amendment of paragraph 7(5) of Schedule 17 to the Coronavirus Act 2020) (Wales) Regulations 2020 Legislation

Frequently asked questions about how schools can work from 29 June 2020 incl:

  • Anti-body testing •
  • Updated link to guidance on face coverings
  • Foundation Phase nursery provision 

Latest updates, 18-22 June 2020:

Examinations and assessments: coronavirus  Detailed guide

Revised guidance for schools in Wales: supporting children eligible for free school meals Detailed guide

A level Welsh first language: government response Report

Written statement: school and community-based counselling operating toolkit (revised 2020) Cabinet statement

Relaxation of school reporting requirements Consultation

School and community-based counselling operating toolkit  Guidance

Guidance

Information for school governing bodies: coronavirus

Detailed guide

Updates: 17 June 2020:

 

Schools Increasing Operations from 29 June

 

Updated guidance and FAQs for Governing Bodies and others

 

 
 
 
Voice Cymru welcomes this detailed guidance and encourages members to get in touch to let us know whether the system appears to be working well.

School staff and their employment: coronavirus  Updated guidance

Recording attendance in schools and settings from 29 June: coronavirus  Detailed guide 

Education Minister’s message to all school staff in Wales  12 June 2020

Guidance published to help schools, colleges and childcare settings  10 June 2020 Press release

Written Statement: Publication of guidance to support educational settings increase capacity 10 June 2020 Cabinet statement

Written Statement: The Childcare Offer and Coronavirus Childcare Assistance Scheme 9 June 2020
We will be maintaining the suspension of new applications for the Childcare Offer for Wales for a further two months, that is, until at least the end of August. During this period our local authority delivery partners will not accept or process new applications, and no children will start their entitlement under the Offer.

Updates; 4/5 June:

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Temporary guidance for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) partnerships  Guidance

Information for school governing bodies: coronavirus Detailed guide

Further education: coronavirus Detailed guide

Our latest understanding of COVID-19 with respect to children and education Document (3 June 2020)

“Check in, Catch Up, Prepare for summer and September” – all schools in Wales to enter next phase (3 June 2020)

Further education: coronavirus  Detailed guide  27 May 2020

Higher education and student support: coronavirus  Detailed guide  27 May 2020

School opening times and services: coronavirus Detailed guide 27 May 2020

Plan launched to support education for over-16s  Press release 20 May 2020: 

20 May 2020 Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Education and skills

Stay Safe. Stay Learning: supporting the education system   Guidance 18 May 2020
Guidance for governing bodies, headteachers and practitioners about what they are being asked to do to support continuity of learning, and how the actions taken will be supported.

Unlocking our society and economy: Wales’ roadmap published  15 May 2020

The decision framework for the next phase of education and childcare: considerations, planning and challenges (pdf)

School staff and their employment: coronavirus Detailed guide (updated) 15 May 2020

Revised guidance for schools in Wales: supporting children eligible for free school meals  Detailed guide 14 May 2020

Vulnerable children and young people: coronavirus  Detailed guide 3 May 2020

Situation for schools will not change on June 1st, Education Minister says  7 May 2020

School admission appeals: coronavirus (COVID-19)  Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Education and skills  5 May 2020

Awarding of vocational qualifications: letter 5 May 2020 Guidance Education and skills  5 May 2020

The Education (Admission Appeals Arrangements) (Wales) (Coronavirus) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 Legislation Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Education and skills  4 May 2020

Supporting students and universities dealing with the impact of coronavirus Press release 4 May 2020

Higher education policy statement: coronavirus Policy and strategy 4 May 2020

Updates 29/30 April 2020:

School opening times and services: coronavirus Detailed guide

Extra £3 million to support ‘digitally excluded’ learners in Wales Press release 

Oral Statement: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Cabinet statement Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Education and skills

Youth work newsletters News story Interim Youth Work Board

School staff and their employment: coronavirus Detailed guide

Updates:

Written Statement: COVID-19 Recovery Phase Planning: operation of schools, Kirsty Williams, Minister for Education 27 April 2020

Education Minister sets out five key principles for schools’ return 27 April 2020 Press release
Voice welcomes this guidance and the fact that the first principle focuses explicitly on the safety and mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of students and staff.

Higher education and student support: coronavirus 23 April 2020 Detailed guide

Key (critical) workers testing policy: coronavirus (COVID-19)
Policy sets out a needs-based approach testing criteria for NHS and non-NHS workers (key workers). (18 April 2020)

Revised guidance for schools in Wales: supporting children eligible for free school meals (22 April 2020)

Five ways Wales is leading the way in delivering digital education services  20 April 2020 Press release

New guidance will help Wales stay safe and stay learning while dealing coronavirus impact 19 April 2020 Press release

Guidance for hubs and schools: coronavirus  17 April 2020

Written Statement: Results Day 2020  16 April 2020 

Increased support for children’s mental health following Covid-19 outbreak 16 April 2020 

School admission appeals: coronavirus (COVID-19) 16 April 2020 

Coronavirus: letter to our Special Educational Needs workforce  9 April 2020 

Notification to HEFCW of provisional funding allocation 9 April 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Temporary guidance for Initial Teacher Education (ITE) partnerships Guidance 

GCSE, AS and A-level cancellations: letter Guidance

Vulnerable children and safeguarding: coronavirus  Detailed guide 6 April 2020

Education safeguarding guidance: coronavirus Guidance 6 April 2020

Information for school governing bodies: coronavirus  2 April 2020

Coronavirus: Easter break message from Kirsty Williams 1 April 2020

Coronavirus: support for the supply sector 31 March 2020

School staff and their employment: coronavirus 31 March 2020 Detailed guide

School opening times and services: coronavirus   31 March 2020 Detailed guide

Coronavirus and childcare provision (30 March 2020)

Letter from Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams 30 March 2020 

Free school meals: revised coronavirus guidance for schools 30 March 2020 Detailed guide

Education Minister asks ‘national heroes’ to keep schools open for NHS and carers during school holidays 28 March 2020

Education Minister announces exam arrangements for years 10 and 12  27 March 2020

Further and higher education: coronavirus 26 March 2020 Detailed guide

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and statutory induction for newly qualified teachers in Wales: temporary guidance 25 March 2020

Health and well-being for school staff and learners: coronavirus 24 March

Work-based learning and apprenticeships: coronavirus  24 March 2020 Detailed guide

Examinations and assessments: coronavirus 24 March 2020 Detailed guide

Further and higher education: coronavirus 24 March 2020 Detailed guide

The latest advice on access to schools from Education Minister Kirsty Williams  (23 March 2020)

How schools will work during the coronavirus pandemic (23 March 2020)

Coronavirus and childcare provision (21 March 2020)

5 things you need to know before sending your children to school or childcare (coronavirus)  (22 March 2020)

Welsh Government makes £7 million available to support pupils while schools are closed (22 March 2020)

Diweddariad Addysg / Education Update Covid-19 (pdf) (22 March 2020)

School closures from 20 March 2020: FAQs  (20 March 2020)

Letter to all schools and settings (pdf) (19 March 2020)

Statement from Minister for Education, Kirsty Williams, on school closures [and childcare] in Wales (18 March 2020)

Written Statement on Summer Examinations 2020 (18 March 2020)

Guidance to educational settings about COVID-19 (updated 11 March 2020)

Travel guidance (13 March 2020)

Distance learning resources through Hwb

National Assembly for Wales

Scrutiny of Covid-19 and its impact on children and young people (including students in further and higher education) (28 April 2020)

Estyn

Community schools families and communities at the heart of school life  (7 July 2020)
New report to help schools build community partnerships to support the learning and wellbeing of pupils and their families during this difficult time.

Supporting continuity of learning for children and young people (23 April 2020)

Estyn inspections and other visits suspended to support providers to stay open and reduce pressure – COVID-19  (16 March 2020)

Qualifications Wales

Qualifications Wales Consultation into arrangements for the summer 2020 exam series: decisions (30 June 2020)
Voice's consultation response

Qualified for the future consultation outcome (pdf) (4 June 2020)

Health and social care and childcare qualifications in Wales (added 30 April 2020)

Consultation: arrangements for summer 2020 exam series (28 April 2020):

Essential Skills Wales learners to receive calculated result  (20 April 2020)

Qualifications Wales issues guidance to teachers (3 April 2020):

Latest updates and guidance

FAQs 

Letter: update on exams (pdf) (27 March 2020)

Updates on exams

Work-based learning and apprenticeships: coronavirus (26 March 2020)

Testing Times (23 March 2020)

Issuing grades for qualifications summer 2020 and other updates (20 March 2020)

Letter from Qualifications Wales (pdf) (20 March)

  • Grades for GCSE and A level qualifications in 2020 will be calculated using a range of evidence. They will be based on a combination of factors which may include marks for work completed to date, for example AS results for A level grades, and standardised teacher assessed grades.
  • Teacher assessed grades will be based on what teachers would expect a learner to achieve at the end of the course.  This will be a professional, holistic judgement based on the combined assessment information held for that learner.  They will not be target grades or related to performance measures (which are suspended for this year in any event).
  • Grades for AS Levels or for unit assessments taken by Year 10 learners will not be issued.  For those learners, the options are still being considered, including the opportunity to sit exams in subsequent exam series.
  • The options for issuing grades for vocational courses are also still being considered.

Update (19 March 2020)

Guidance for schools and colleges

WJEC

FAQs (updated 6 May 2020)

Coronavirus FAQs - Non-Examination Assessment (NEA) (9 April 2020)

Arrangement for awarding summer 2020 (4 April 2020)

Update on exams (27 March 2020)

Issuing graders for summer 2020 (20 March 2020)

Cancellation of summer examination 2020 - Wales (18 March 2020)

Northern Ireland

Department of Education (Northern Ireland)

Latest Department of Education updates in relation to COVID-19 (coronavirus) (updated daily)

Update on additional support measures for children this summer   10 July 2020

Weir announces free wi-fi scheme for disadvantaged pupils  08 July 2020
Free wi-fi and mobile connectivity for those who may not have had access to digital technology during lockdown

Weir welcomes monitoring round allocations  Funding for summer food scheme, learning support programmes and childcare 30 June 2020

Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI): Remote and blended learning: curricular challenges and approaches Published 26 June 2020

Childcare recovery plan and Education Restart FAQs available online  Published 24 June 2020

CCEA Regulation Publishes Decisions on Appeals Process for Summer 2020 Awarding of GCSE, AS and A Level qualifications (23 June 2020)

Northern Ireland Re-opening School Guidance - New School Day Guidance literature  Published 19 June 2020
This guidance has been developed for education settings to support a safe, phased reopening of schools in line with the Northern Ireland Executive’s “Coronavirus Executive Approach to Decision-Making” published on 12 May 2020.

Update: 18 June 2020

Education Minister announces publication of childcare recovery plan

Weir sets out plans for the reopening of schools

Pupils to follow 1m social distancing at NI schools (BBC News) The education minister also indicates that the target date for pupils' return is now 24 August.

Weir outlines proposals to support vulnerable children and young people this summer

Weir thanks schools for stepping up to the challenge

Statement on free school meals (16 June 2020)

Provision of Childcare during the COVID19 Pandemic (16 June 2020)

Weir confirms funding for BookTrust’s Bookstart programme (9 June 2020)

Updates 4/5 June 2020:

Education Minister publishes guidance for schools on supporting remote learning 

Guidance brings together emerging practice during Covid-19 period ... more

Guidance to support safe working in educational settings published 

Update on post-primary transfer process

Ministers announce extension of definition of key workers to access childcare 

Temporary changes to pupil assessments and reporting requirements 20 May 2020

Income Support Scheme for substitute teachers  19 May 2020
£12m funding to support sub teachers during Covid-19 crisis

COVID-19 childcare sector support scheme open  (14 May 2020)

Education Minister welcomes decision on post-primary transfer test dates  (11 May 2020)

Update on COVID-19 Childcare Support scheme  01 May 2020
Childcare providers and childminders eligible for financial assistance will receive an application form…

Volunteering scheme (Covid-19) update 28 April 2020

Education Minister announces arrangements for Occupational Studies and CCEA Entry Level qualifications 28 April 2020

Assessment Registration delayed until Thursday 14 May 2020

Minister announces arrangements for summer examinations  16 April 2020
Process for CCEA GCSE, AS and A level exams outlined

Latest Department of Education updates in relation to COVID-19 (coronavirus)   (updated daily 2020)

Update on award of vocational qualifications (Department for the Economy) (8 April 2020)

Implementing social distancing in education settings in NI :Coronavirus (Covid-19)  (3 April 2020)

Letter from Minister for Education to schools on cluster arrangements (31 March 2020):

Information on schools open for vulnerable children and key workers’ children  (30 March 2020)

Update on school closures from Education Minister (23 March 2020)

Statement from Education Minister on COVID-19 response (20 March 2020)

Statement from Health Minister on COVID-19 response (childcare) (19 March 2020)

Letter from Minister of Education to education sector (19 March 2020)

BBC News NI: Schools to close from Monday (18 March 2020)

Full statements from First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill on Covid–19 response)

BBC News Northern Ireland: Coronavirus: Pregnant teachers and students should not attend school  (18 March 2020)

Education Minister issues COVID-19 guidance to educational settings (17 March 2020)

Advice from Public Health Agency
 

CCEA:

CCEA Guidance on 2020 Summer exams (16 April 2020)

CCEA statement on the cancellation of the summer examinations 2020 (19 March 2020)

Education Authority

Schools to close (19 March 2020)
The Department of Education has confirmed that schools, pre-schools and statutory nurseries will close at the end of the day on Friday 20 March for all pupils and children.

UK

UK Government

Chancellor extends furlough scheme until October  (12 May 2020)

Chancellor announces help for self-employed (26 March 2020)

The Chancellor's updated statement on coronavirus. (20 March 2020)
The Chancellor unveiled today (20 March) a further series of measures to support people, jobs and businesses.

COVID-19: guidance for employees (20 March 2020)

COVID-19: Government announces moving out of contain phase and into delay 

Coronavirus (COVID-19): UK government response

Coronavirus action plan  (3 March 2020)

National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC):
 
How to make sure your organisation is prepared for an increase in home working, and advice on spotting coronavirus (COVID-19) scam emails.

 

Useful contacts

Acas

Guidance for employers and employees from Acas, the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service, an independent body funded by the Government, is available here: www.acas.org.uk/coronavirus

Government

HMRC Guidance for employers on the coronavirus (COVID-19) Job Retention Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

BEIS guidance for employees: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees#furloughed-workers

Guidance: Check if you could be covered by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme

Covid-19: support for businesses: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-support-for-businesses

Covid-19: guidance for employees: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-guidance-for-employees

Self-employment support

Scheme link: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/self-employment-income-support-scheme/
FAQs link: https://www.businesssupport.gov.uk/self-employment-income-support-scheme-faqs/

Health

NHS: Health-related guidance from the National Health Service is available here:  https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

For online NHS self-isolation sick notes: NHS 111 online

​Public Health Guidance

Public Health England including, eg, specific guidance for employers, educational and health-related organisations, and an option to receive updates directly is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

Public Health Wales: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/latest-information-on-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/

Health Protection Scotland: https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/wuhan-novel-coronavirus/

Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/news/covid-19-coronavirus

 

Page first published: 3 March 2020

 

 
 

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