Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what respite care his Department is planning to provide for (a) lone parents and (b) carers looking after children with special needs or disabilities who may not be able to care for their child if they contract covid-19.

The welfare of children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) and their parents or carers is a high priority for the government, especially during this period of uncertainty. We are working closely with colleagues across government to ensure that appropriate arrangements and support are in place for all Department for Education sectors – from the early years and childcare, to schools and children’s social care, including for children with special educational needs. The government is providing local authorities with an additional £3.2 billion to help them cope with the impact of the pandemic, including within the SEND and children’s social care sectors. The access of parents and carers to respite care and their subsequent ability to safely meet the health and care needs of their children is key to determining whether vulnerable children and young people are safer in their home or educational setting. However, the responsibility for commissioning any at-home provision lies with the local authority responsible for maintaining Education, Health and Care plans, though it may be possible for some of the provision to be provided by the school or college. Guidance is available here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance.