Laura Sharman 28 April 2020

Councils call for more clarity on special needs duties during pandemic

Councils have warned they are struggling to deliver statutory support for children with special educational needs and disabilities due to dealing with the demands of coronavirus.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said school closures and staff sickness are making it difficult for councils to meet the support laid out in Education, Health and Care (ECHP) plans.

The LGA is calling on the Government to provide clarity on the relaxation of special needs duties under the Coronavirus Act.

Cllr Judith Blake, chair of the LGA’s Children and Young People Board, said: 'In these difficult times, councils and their partners are trying to do all they can to support children with special educational needs and their families.

'With stretched resources and competing demands during the coronavirus crisis, this has become increasingly challenging and has made current statutory timeframes unrealistic to meet.

'It is vital that the Government urgently sets out the flexibility it intends to give councils so they can try and ensure all those on EHCPs continue to receive the best possible support.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Practitioner - Young People with Disabilities

Essex County Council
£46574.0000 - £56027.0000 per annum
Senior Practitioner - Young People with DisabilitiesPermanent, Full Time£46,574 to £56,027 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Coroners Coordinator

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £25731.00 per annum + full time equivalent
Coroners CoordinatorFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 to £25,731 per annum (full-time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Child and Family Support worker

Essex County Council
£25395.00 - £32131.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Child and Family Support workerPermanent, Full Time£25,395 to £32,131 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Strategic Director – Place-Based Services

Stevenage Borough Council
£Competitive
Stevenage is a town with bold ambitions. Stevenage, Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Recuriter: Stevenage Borough Council

Social Worker - Children's Assessment and Safeguarding

North East Lincolnshire Council
ASYE level £36,363 up to £46,142
Make the change, be the difference to our children, our future. North East Lincolnshire
Recuriter: North East Lincolnshire Council
Linkedin Banner