Coronavirus information (updated)

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

FAQs ( Latest updates: 28 May 2020: Furloughed Workers, General Queries, Holiday, Supply Teachers FAQs). 

• Voice Cymru comments on statement by Kirsty Williams/details of proposals + letter to Minister for Education  (3/4 June 2020)
• Professional Learning and Wellbeing Support for members in Scotland  (27 May 2020)
• The General Secretary's blog on the SAGE evidence  (27/8 May 2020)
• Voice welcomes publication of scientific evidence and calls for early years guidance. (22 May 2020)
• Reopening schools, early learning and childcare provision in Scotland (21 May 2020)
• Voice welcomes acknowledgement of local approach to wider opening of schools (20 May 2020)
• Letter from Children’s Commissioner for Wales (20 May 2020)
• Update on COVID-19  and video message from the General Secretary (19 May 2020)
• Important update for members about COVID-19 (14 May 2020)
• Letter to Early Years employers choosing to stay open
• Letter template to employer for employees with health conditions and isolating

Case studies:

• Blog: The virtual teacher in the COVID-19 pandemic (23 April 2020)
• Key worker in focus (25 March 2020)

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:

• Voice welcomes publication of scientific evidence and calls for early years guidance. (22 May 2020)
• Blog: Divide and rule rumours aren’t the real picture (21 May 2020)
• Reopening schools, early learning and childcare provision in Scotland (21 May 2020)
• Voice welcomes acknowledgement of local approach to wider opening of schools  (20 May 2020)
• Voice comments on Government guidance on wider opening of education and childcare settings  (12 May 2020)
• Voice comments on Government’s COVID-19 recovery strategy (11 May 2020)
• “Safety first and foremost.” General Secretary interviewed on BBC Essex about schools reopening fully, 3:08:00  (7 May 2020)
• SNCT Teachers' Side letter to COSLA (6 May 2020)
• What Voice would like to see before schools and nurseries reopen (5 May 2020)
• Returning to school in Wales: a little clarification after the confusion (5 May 2020)
• Media speculation about schools ‘reopening’ premature, unrealistic and causing anxiety (4 May 2020)
• Letter from General Secretary to Education Secretary about coronavirus (21 April 2020)
• Voice comments on Education Secretary’s COVID-19 briefing  (19 April 2020)
• Voice comments on Ofqual's exams statement (3 April 2020)
• Voice's statement on school closures in England (18 March 2020)

.@VoiceGenSec on .@BBCDerby "deeply disappointed" that members are still waiting for the promised list of key workers and other school closure details. https://t.co/4ex4Ulq1Yl

— Voice: The Union for Education Professionals (@Voicetheunion) March 19, 2020

• Interview with the General Secretary on BBC Radio Derby  (17 March 2020)

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)

• Interdisciplinary Task and Finish Group on the Role of Children in Transmission: Modelling and behavioural science responses to scenarios for relaxing school closures  (pdf)

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

Update 5 June 2020:

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): 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

Yesterday we asked @NickGibbUK how @educationgovuk will ensure the safety of extremely clinical vulnerable, and clinically vulnerable school staff.

📩Here is the Minister's response: https://t.co/A9Ik9jsX3i

📕Read more about our #COVID19 inquiry: https://t.co/zp8VopH5UW pic.twitter.com/n0lpbrmutK

— Education Committee (@CommonsEd) May 28, 2020

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.

.⁦@Voicetheunion⁩ as much as this guidance is welcome & long awaited, publication over a bank holiday weekend is inconsiderate & does not allow sufficient time for planning purposes https://t.co/ndyBvMLIlw

— Deborah Lawson (@VoiceGenSec) May 24, 2020

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..

The Prime Minister confirmed that from 1 June, schools and nurseries are set to open to more children, providing the government’s five tests are met by 28 May.

👉 https://t.co/mG6Z9XR07A pic.twitter.com/z79sq9OhHF

— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) May 24, 2020

"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:... https://t.co/F2EQ2qAU38 https://t.co/MUc32tihdx

— Voice: The Union for Education Professionals (@Voicetheunion) May 25, 2020

Yup. Final decision will only be taken as part of the formal review on Thursday. So we are getting this announcement now, before all the evidence is available, solely to divert attention from his political difficulty. Shocking.

— Rachel Gooch (@SchoolDuggery) May 24, 2020

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

• EdTech: Demonstrator schools and colleges programme  Detailed guide
• EdTech demonstrator schools and colleges: expression of interest Form
• EdTech demonstrator schools and colleges: successful applicants  Transparency data

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

Today I sent a letter to all education providers sharing my gratitude for their efforts to continue to care for our most vulnerable children and young people at this challenging time. pic.twitter.com/xlRfppyEfU

— Gavin Williamson (@GavinWilliamson) April 23, 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:

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

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):

I have written to all schools, thanking them for the incredible resilience and flexibility they have shown in the face of unprecedented challenges.

They are central to this country's fight against coronavirus. #StayHomeSaveLives pic.twitter.com/FG78lVzZxY

— Gavin Williamson (@GavinWilliamson) March 25, 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)

• COVID-19: free school meals guidance

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

To support nurseries at this time, we have decided that they will also be eligible for a business rates holiday for one year from 1 April.

Local authorities will be fully compensated for the cost of this and we are applying the Barnett formula to the additional support. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/jn13TBAWPZ

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) March 18, 2020

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)

The government has advised against all overseas trips for children under 18 organised by UK education settings.

Read our news story with links to more advice here: https://t.co/Fm5qJWNN9G#COVID_19uk #coronavirus pic.twitter.com/8YiFVuAfqd

— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) March 13, 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

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

Clean your hands more often - each time for 20secs with soap and water or use hand sanitiser.

Especially when you:
Get to school, work or home
Blow your nose, sneeze or cough
Eat or touch food

This will help protect you and others from #coronavirus

👉https://t.co/4Bq1KJC618 pic.twitter.com/2Z0XJCodB6

— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) March 4, 2020

Local Government Association

Information for councils

Scotland

Scottish Government, SNCT, SQA, GTCS below

COSLA

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

Scottish Government

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
Education Secretary publishes summary of the scientific advice behind the plans to re-open schools and Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19): schools, early learning and childcare settings - scientific evidence

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)

.@jasonleitch National Clinical Director explains that the science tells us that childcare and education workers don’t need special protective equipment or face coverings while caring for children in hubs/settings

Check out the video ⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/Elje2FiwnJ

— ScotGov Childcare (@ELCScotGov) May 15, 2020

Early years and PPE video (May 2020)

Just for absolute clarity, nothing the Prime Minister said tonight affects when schools return in Scotland. I am working with Local Authorities, Directors of Education, Teaching Unions and Parents to agree a way forward for Scotland. #StayHomeSaveLives

— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) May 10, 2020

 

Review of Curriculum for Excellence postponed until after the election. pic.twitter.com/jJpSCYsVfz

— Barry Black (@BarryBlackNE) April 28, 2020

 

Update: 27 April 2020 (pdfs):

• An introductory note for employers from the Scottish Government regarding the expansion of UK Government Covid-19 Testing;
• Guidance on the UK Government Covid-19 Testing Programme in Scotland; and
• FAQ for employers.

 

Important thread for #TeamELC ❗️

Payments for funded ELC hours will continue for the duration of closures. We see these payments as a vital part of safeguarding our childcare sector for the pandemic recovery & achieving our 1,140 ambition together for Scotland’s children. pic.twitter.com/Alo1JJGtiN

— ScotGov Childcare (@ELCScotGov) April 27, 2020

 

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:

• The Guidance

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

• Practitioner support for Online Remote Learning
• The Parentzone Scotland website continues to be updated with relevant information on home learning for parents.

Outdoor play and learning is an important part of early learning and childcare - here is some advice to clarify how current COVID-19 restrictions impact outdoor use in emergency childcare settings. pic.twitter.com/x2G2IpI0Tz

— ScotGov Childcare (@ELCScotGov) April 20, 2020

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)
Criteria provided to local authorities to determine local need. Critical childcare provision for key workers can be viewed online

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)

❗️IMPORTANT INFORMATION❗️#TeamELC and beyond, please see 👇 which provides further detail about the term 'key worker'.

Please RT & share this information with your networks pic.twitter.com/Rxu4Aaw1hr

— ScotGov Childcare (@ELCScotGov) March 20, 2020

"It is a measure of the gravity of the challenge we now face, that I must today announce the exams will not go ahead this year. I am aware of how significant a step this is. It is an unprecedented one in unprecedented times. Scotland’s exam diet has never been cancelled before."

— ScotGov Education (@ScotGovEdu) March 19, 2020

"The @sqanews will require relevant units to be completed and coursework and teacher estimates of grades, to be submitted by the agreed deadlines, or indeed sooner where that is possible."

— ScotGov Education (@ScotGovEdu) March 19, 2020

Schools and nurseries will close from this Friday @NicolaSturgeon announces. I appreciate this will be very disruptive but it is necessary. We are working with Councils to support young people preparing for @sqanews exams, are vulnerable and whose parents are essential workers.

— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) March 18, 2020

"We are advising private and third sector childcare providers that they can remain open so long as they refocus their operating models to support solely the children of critical workers and those families most in need of support."

— ScotGov Education (@ScotGovEdu) March 19, 2020

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

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

‼️PLEASE READ & SHARE‼️#TeamELC please read and share the COVID-19 guidance published yesterday for all non-healthcare settings which includes early learning and childcare establishments 👇. In particular please look at section 2! https://t.co/twTsGvhA4Z pic.twitter.com/aMB3R7KBEc

— ScotGov Childcare (@ELCScotGov) March 17, 2020

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

“The National Qualifications timetable and exam diet remains on track. I have asked @SQANews for contingency arrangements to be considered.”

— ScotGov Education (@ScotGovEdu) March 17, 2020

“A qualifications contingency planning group will exist to draw together the government, @SQANews and related stakeholders, and that National Qualifications Contingency Planning Group met today and will be providing me with further advice.”

— ScotGov Education (@ScotGovEdu) March 17, 2020

Scottish Negotiating Committee for Teachers (SNCT)

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)

Statement from SQA on #Coronavirus, and impact on the National Qualifications 2020 Examinations Timetable - Thursday 12 March 2020 - https://t.co/2JefU2NW0i pic.twitter.com/4QvoyGXYz4

— SQA (@sqanews) March 12, 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

Qualifications Wales and other bodies

Welsh Government

Safeguarding poster (pdf)

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: 

• Resilience plan for the Post-16 sector: coronavirus

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

• Stay Safe. Stay Learning: continuity of learning policy statement 20 April 2020 Policy and strategy

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

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

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):

• Voice Official Response: Consultation: arrangements for summer 2020 exam series. (13 May 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)

CCEA: