Guidance affecting SEND provision across the UK
During the Coronavirus pandemic, temporary legislative changes and/or guidance was introduced within the UK countries to allow some flexibility in the process and delivery of education, health and care plans/SEN statements/additional support plans. Broadly speaking, this allowed health and education providers to use a ‘best endeavours’ duty to comply as far as possible with the original duty of SEN provision to individual children.
These legislative modifications have now ended. Guidance has been issued to support schools as they have re-opened across the UK. Physiotherapy services must now meet the legal requirements for provision within the pre-pandemic frameworks.
Below are links to country-specific educational guidance. They should be considered in conjunction with the relevant infection, prevention and control guidance for your country. PPE recommendations for healthcare staff apply to all healthcare professionals, working in all contexts (including education settings) across the UK. The CSP acknowledges there may be apparent discrepancies surrounding the PPE required by healthcare professionals and education staff. See our PPE FAQs for further advice.
It is important you are aware of the effect this may have on the requirements of your service under SEN law within your country. If further national guidance is not issued in relation to this area, the CSP encourages you to engage with your local Education teams to determine the appropriate action.
England
- Guidance for schools: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Guidance for special schools and other specialist settings: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- Safe Working in Education Childcare and Children's Social Care Setting
Scotland
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Guidance on schools reopening
- Coronavirus (COVID-19): Supporting children and young people with complex additional support needs
Wales
- Education and childcare: Coronavirus
- Guidance for supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged learners
- Operational guidance for schools and settings from the autumn term: Keep Education Safe (COVID-19)