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 Child COVID Symptom Checker here
Getting tested – Information on when and how to book a coronavirus test
Latest education guidance
As the country moves to Step 4 of the Roadmap from 19 July 2021, the government is moving away from firm restrictions, towards advising people on how to protect themselves and others. As we learn to live with Covid-19, the government are keen to reduce the disruption to children and young people’s education – particularly given that the direct clinical risks to children are extremely low.
The Gov.UK website contains information on the latest requirements: What parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges.
Key messages include:
- Over the summer, staff, secondary pupils and college students should continue to test regularly if they are attending settings that remain open
- There is no need for primary age pupils (those in year 6 and below) to test over the summer period
- Secondary schools and colleges have been asked to prepare for on-site testing at the beginning of the autumn term
- From Step 4 your nursery, school or college will no longer trace close contacts – close contacts will still be identified via NHS Test and Trace
- From Step 4, your child does not need to remain in a consistent group (‘bubble’)
- From Step 4, the government is removing the requirement to wear face coverings in law but expects and recommends that they are worn in enclosed and crowded spaces where you may come into contact with people you don’t normally meet.
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
GOV.UK – Guidance on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing – Advice for parents and carers on looking after the mental health and wellbeing of children or young people during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
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.
Our 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.
Supporting your children’s remote education during coronavirus (COVID-19) – Information and support for parents and carers of children who are learning at home.
Get help with technology during coronavirus (COVID-19) – Guidance on the devices and support available to provide remote education and access to children’s social care.
Coronavirus (COVID-19): keeping children safe online – Advice and guidance to help parents and carers to keep children safe online during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
More information
All education guidance for teachers, school leaders, carers, parents and students – Coronavirus information for parents, schools, colleges and universities.
If your child/children uses school transport please visit www.somerset.gov.uk/schooltransport for further information and guidance.
Getting tested – Information on how to get a test, exposure to COVID, symptoms and isolation periods
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.
Awarding qualifications in summer 2021 – What schools, colleges and students need to know about the arrangements for awarding GCSEs, AS and A levels, VTQs and other qualifications in summer 2021.
How qualifications will be awarded in 2021 – An article from Chief Regulator, Simon Lebus, explaining the arrangements for 2021.
Student guide to awarding: summer 2021 – A guide for students on how GCSEs, A levels, vocational and technical qualifications will be graded and awarded 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