Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many and what proportion of SEND pupils have been unable to return to school since term began in September.

The department does not hold this information.

The department collects data on the number of schools that have indicated that they have sent children home due to COVID-19 containment measures, and have attendance data for schools that have done so. Published information is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/attendance-in-education-and-early-years-settings-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak.

We know that for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, attending their educational setting is crucial so that they can receive high quality teaching and the specialist professional support they need. It remains our priority to keep education settings open for vulnerable children and young people, including those who have an Education Health and Care plan.