The DfE has updated its guidance on children of critical workers and vulnerable children who can access school or education settings to include a broader definition of children classified as vulnerable.
Children, now identified by DfE as needing the protective factor of face-to-face education are:
- those with a social worker
- those with an Education, Health and Care Plan
- a group of children considered locally, including by settings and local authorities, to be ‘otherwise vulnerable’
Plus
- children known to children’s social care services in the past
- children whose home circumstances might be particularly challenging because of domestic abuse, parental offending, adult mental health issues, and drug and alcohol addiction
The DfE’s intention of providing a broader definition is to support local decision making about children who might face increased risk inside or outside the home if they are unable to attend their setting, or who could not reasonably continue to learn remotely. The list is not intended to be exhaustive and local assessment will be based on knowledge of family and community risk.
