COVID-19 information
What to do if your child starts to display Coronavirus symptoms
A ‘Covid Checker’ is now available to help you know what to do if your child starts to display Coronavirus symptoms, tests positive, someone in their household displays symptoms or a household member tests positive.
You can find the Somerset COVID Checker here
You may also find this chart on infection control in an education setting helpful.
Getting tested – Information on when and how to book a coronavirus test
Latest education guidance
The Prime Minister has announced a new National lockdown: Stay at home
During the period of national lockdown, schools, alternative provision, special schools, and colleges will remain open to vulnerable children and young people and the children of critical workers only. Public vocational exams and assessments scheduled to take place in January will go ahead as planned. All other children and students will learn remotely until February half term.
Higher Education provision will remain online until mid-February for all except future critical worker courses.
All early years providers (including registered childminders but not including reception years in primary schools) can remain open during this period of national lockdown.
All education guidance for teachers, school leaders, carers, parents and students – Coronavirus information for parents, schools, colleges and universities: closures, exams, learning, health and wellbeing.
You can also find what parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges in January 2021.
Somerset children and young people - health and wellbeing
Somerset’s Children and Young People’s team in Public Health host a website to support schools, colleges, getset services, children’s centres and the wider children and young people’s workforce to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people in Somerset.
You can find useful information on the Healthy Somerset website
Talking to children about COVID-19
We all realise how difficult it can be trying to talk to children and young people about global crises – how much to tell children, how and when to talk to them, and how we can feel prepared for challenging conversations.
The SCC Education Psychology Service has compiled a list of resources and useful websites that may help you.
Resources for home learning
Where children are not able to attend school, GOV.UK provides various online education resources to help with home learning. These may be useful alongside school resources and support.
More information
If your child/children uses school transport please visit www.somerset.gov.uk/schooltransport for further information and guidance.
Face coverings in education – Guidance on the use of face coverings for schools and other education institutions that teach people in years 7 and above in England.
Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care – Preventing and controlling infection, including the use of PPE, in education, childcare and children’s social care settings during the coronavirus outbreak.
Guidance to support the summer 2021 exams – What schools, colleges and students need to know about taking GCSEs, AS and A levels and other qualifications in summer 2021.
Package of support for students who have to defer their studies – Details on a range of opportunities to gain new skills, undertake work placements, additional learning and career development support.
Don’t forget to also check your school website for updates or information.
If you haven’t found what you need, or need more support please phone us on 0300 123 2224