Protection is needed for students with special needs

Your readers might be aware that there was reports in national media back in June concerning more individuals with learning difficulties dying during the coronavirus pandemic compared with the same period last year.

The researchers came to this conclusion by working with the Office of National Statistics and The Care Quality Commission who analysed all death notifications during the five week period between April 10 to May 15. The watchdog discovered that 386 people with learning disabilities died. Some of them may have been autistic, and they were receiving care from services. I understand that this is a 134 per cent increase on the previous year, where 165 died.

As you are most probably aware schools/colleges are due to return in September, but there still isn’t any plans for student with special needs who are in post sixteen establishments for their return. I understand that several reports have been released by the Government about the return to education, including one for special schools, and another for FE colleges and providers. Sadly, there is no report for individuals with special needs who are in the mainstream system, or in post 16 education such as colleges for example.

Also, you might be aware educational establishments are very congested, especially during change of lessons and at the beginning and end of the academic day. How are students with special needs going to be protected when they return to the classroom.

Finally, I would like to know if students with special needs has to self isolate, will they be supported remotely? I am unable to see any legislation on this, so I imagine that it will be down to the discretion of the establishment.

I have raised concerns with the Department for Education back in June, but I will let you know when I receive a response.

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