Whilst they are not saying that it is safe to open schools now, or that a date needs to be set. Rather, they are requesting that the government sets out the key criteria that needs to be met in order for schools to safely reopen, and what practical support will be needed within schools.
They feel that having a clear plan will focus minds across the entire education system from central Government to individual schools. The copy of the letter can be accessed here.
Details about Solace can be found here.
In addition on 18 January 2021 the four UK Children’s Commissioners have written to the Chair of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation about the prioritisation of teachers and other key workers in the children’s sector receiving the vaccination. They feel the immunisation of teachers and other staff supporting children and young people will act as a vital first step in limiting the devastating impact of the pandemic on children’s rights this year. A copy of the letter can be accessed here.
On 24 January 2021 the Children’s Commissioner published a report titled “ Too many at-risk children are still invisible to social care.” The report refers to the impact of the various lockdowns. Stating “Since March 2020 when schools closed at the start of the first national lockdown, more families have fallen into poverty and all the major risk factors to children – domestic violence, poor parental mental health, and alcohol/substance abuse – have heightened. At the same time there has been a significant fall (by 10% compared to the last 3 years) in referrals to children’s services as children became increasingly ‘invisible’ under Covid-19.” The report can be downloaded here.
Local VCSE organisations working with children, young people and their families may find the letters and report of interest. As well as the opportunity to hear from the commissioner live.
Anne Longfield’s tenure as Children’s Commissioner for England ends at the end of February 2021.
On Wednesday, 17 February 2021 10:30 am – 12 noon you can sign up for a free online webinar called Building back better: Reaching England’s left behind children where the commissioner will deliver her last speech.
In that speech the commissioner will argue that children should be at the heart of the country’s efforts to rebuild following the Covid crisis.
The speech will be followed by two responses, each on the topic of England’s left behind children, from the Rt. Hon Robert Halfon MP, Chair of the Education Select Committee, and Baroness Dame Louise Casey. To book on the event click here.