Ministerial open letter to share with all children and young people with SEND and their families - January 2021

Vicky Ford, MP Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Families, has published an open letter dated 14 January 2021 to all children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), their parents/carers and families, and all others who support them.

Following the introduction of a national lockdown on 4 January, the letter provides advice and guidance on the government’s announcements and on meeting the needs of children and young people with SEND at this time.  It also provides guidance on attendance at education settings, children who are clinically extremely vulnerable, mass testing in specialist schools and special post 16 institutions and information on health services and respite for children and young people with SEND. 

We would like to take the opportunity to remind families about the support available in South Gloucestershire during these challenging times. You can continue to read the latest service updates and guidance by visiting our dedicated SEND information for families webpage.

The SEND local offer is your source of information on help and support for families and children 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

If you need further advice you can contact the council’s SEND team by: