Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those children and young people up to the age of 25 with education, health and care (EHC) plans.
Those who have a social worker include children who have a child protection plan and those who are looked after by the local authority. A child may also be deemed to be vulnerable if they have been assessed as being in need or otherwise meet the definition in section 17 of the Children Act 1989.
Those with an EHC plan should be risk-assessed by their school or college in consultation with the local authority (LA) and parents, to decide whether they need to continue to be offered a school or college place in order to meet their needs, or whether they can safely have their needs met at home. This could include, if necessary, carers, therapists or clinicians visiting the home to provide any essential services. Many children and young people with EHC plans can safely remain at home.
We know that schools and other education providers may also want to support other children who are vulnerable where they are able to do so. Eligibility for free school meals in and of itself should not be the determining factor in assessing vulnerability.
We will work with schools, colleges and local authorities to help identify the children who most need support at this time. Looking after these children will enable schools to support the country during challenging times.
This applies to:
- registered childcare providers (including nurseries and childminders)
- local-authority-maintained schools and academies (both mainstream and special)
- all alternative provision including pupil referral units
- non-maintained special schools
- independent special schools
- general further education (FE) colleges
- special post-16 institutions
- other post-16 providers
The government understands that some families need more support than others and that attending education settings is an important protective factor for children receiving support from a social worker. We want to prioritise supporting those most in need at this difficult time.
For children receiving support from a social worker, local authorities will be well placed to identify them. Social workers will also ensure that families know that they will be eligible for this provision and how to access support.