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
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
From the 8 March, all children and students should return to school and college. All primary pupils should attend school from this date. You can find the latest information on GOV.UK: what parents and carers need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Households and bubbles of pupils, students and staff of schools, nurseries and colleges: get rapid lateral flow tests – Find out who is eligible for twice-weekly testing and how to get tested if you do not have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). This guidance is for people without symptoms.
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.
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