Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that (a) vulnerable pupils and (b) pupils living with vulnerable relatives are supported when schools re-open following covid-19 lockdown measures.

Keeping people safe continues to be the government’s main priority. We have been clear that the wider opening of schools must be done in a way that is measured, reduces risk, is guided by science, and ensures that safety remains the absolute priority. We published guidance for parents and carers to help them prepare for the opening of schools and educational settings to more pupils from 1 June.

The guidance is clear that children and young people who are considered extremely clinically vulnerable and shielding should continue to shield and should not be expected to attend. Clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) people are those considered to be at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. A minority of children will fall into this category, and parents should follow medical advice if their child is in this category. Children and young people who live in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable and shielding should only attend school if stringent social distancing can be adhered to, and where the child or young person is able to understand and follow those instructions. If a child or young person lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, they can attend their education or childcare setting. The guidance for parents and carers is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/reopening-schools-and-other-educational-settings-from-1-june#should-i-keep-my-child-at-home-if-they-have-an-underlying-health-condition-or-live-with-someone-in-a-clinically-vulnerable-group.