Written Question · S5W-30925 · Session 5
What guidance it is providing to local authorities to ensure that schools take account of the needs of pupils with visual impairment when i…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what guidance it is providing to local authorities to ensure that schools take account of the needs of pupils with visual impairment when implementing measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including those related to social distancing.
The answer
I recognise that children and young people with additional support needs, including those with complex needs such as a visual impairment, will require support to return to school. Schools and local authorities are best placed to identify how to meet the individual needs of their pupils and have been working hard to develop plans to do so as schools reopen.
Following the First Minister’s statement to Parliament on 30 July confirming the reopening of schools on 11 August, accompanying guidance to support a safe return to school for all children, young people and staff was published on the Scottish Government’s website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-preparing-start-new-school-term-august-2020/ . The guidance takes full account of the scientific advice received and the advice of the Education Recovery Group and other key stakeholders.
We have also published continuity in learning guidance, which sets out the latest advice on what education authorities and schools should consider for pupils with additional support needs, including those with complex support needs. This focuses on reviewing individualised plans in discussion with parents, carers, children and young people, with support from partner services. It also recognises that some children and young people will have new needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the guidance outlines, individual provisions and interventions will require constant review to ensure they continue to meet children and young peoples’ learning and wellbeing needs as they return to school.
Following the First Minister’s statement to Parliament on 30 July confirming the reopening of schools on 11 August, accompanying guidance to support a safe return to school for all children, young people and staff was published on the Scottish Government’s website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-preparing-start-new-school-term-august-2020/ . The guidance takes full account of the scientific advice received and the advice of the Education Recovery Group and other key stakeholders.
We have also published continuity in learning guidance, which sets out the latest advice on what education authorities and schools should consider for pupils with additional support needs, including those with complex support needs. This focuses on reviewing individualised plans in discussion with parents, carers, children and young people, with support from partner services. It also recognises that some children and young people will have new needs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the guidance outlines, individual provisions and interventions will require constant review to ensure they continue to meet children and young peoples’ learning and wellbeing needs as they return to school.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-30925 by reference.