It is vital that children and young people return to school and college – for their educational progress, for their wellbeing, and for their wider development. The Government have said that school and college attendance will, therefore, again be mandatory from the beginning of the new academic year.
For parents and carers of children of compulsory school age, this means that the legal duty on you as a parent to send your child to school regularly will apply. Where children are not able to attend school as parents are following medical and/or public health advice, the absence will not be penalised.
Guidance for parents and carers about what you need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges in the autumn term is available on the Government website. Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) should also refer to the separate guidance for full opening of special schools and other specialist settings.
If you have concerns about your child returning to school or college, because you consider they may have other risk factors, please do not hesitate to discuss with your school or college.
The return to school is possible because the prevalence of coronavirus (COVID-19) has decreased since schools and colleges restricted their opening in March, the NHS Test and Trace system is up and running and more is understood about the measures that need to be in place to create safer environments in schools.
For full details, please see Devon County Council’s coronavirus (COVID-19) page.