Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in the context of the Coronavirus Act 2020, schools will be given discretionary powers to ensure that vulnerable pupils who do not have an official social care status can remain in school.

Supporting vulnerable children is a priority at this time. That is why, on Wednesday 18 March, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister and my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education announced that schools will remain open for vulnerable children, alongside children of critical workers. Vulnerable children include those who have a social worker and those with education, health and care plans.

Leaders of educational settings and designated safeguarding leads know best who their most vulnerable children are and will have the flexibility to offer a place to those on the edges of receiving children’s social care support, who do not have an official social care status, to remain in school if they believe it is in the best interests of the child.