Advice and information for children and young people with SEND, and their families.
We have provided some resources that you may find useful to help your family with any questions or concerns you have during this time.
For home learning resources visit the resource directory on the Bristol Learning City website. The directory includes resources for children and young people with SEND.
Home to school travel service
We're experiencing escort staffing issues due to an increase in coronavirus (COVID-19) and winter sickness.
There may be some temporary disruption to our usual service.
We will inform you at our earliest opportunity if we need to cancel a route that supports your child in getting to and from school.
Exemptions to wearing a face covering in England
Children and young people don't need to wear a face covering if they:
- are under the age of 11
- are not able to put on, wear or remove one because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
- experience severe distress from putting on, wearing or removing one
Find more guidance on who is exempt on the GOV UK website.
Information about testing children and young people for coronavirus (COVID-19)
- What parents need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19 Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-parents-and-carers-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak/what-parents-need-to-know-about-early-years-providers-schools-and-colleges-during-covid-19 (opens new window) on GOV.UK
- NHS guidance about coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms in children Go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/coronavirus-in-children/ (opens new window)
- COVID-19 home test: step-by-step guide Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/testing-for-coronavirus-at-home/covid-19-home-test-step-by-step-guide-adults-and-children (opens new window) on GOV.UK
- pdf A guide to regular rapid COVID-19 testing for parents with children at nurseries, schools and colleges (86 KB)
- pdf How to do a rapid COVID-19 test (1.13 MB)
- pdf A pupil and parent's guide to the rapid lateral flow test (easy read) (282 KB)
Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations
Vaccinations are currently only for people aged 18 and over.
- Easy read leaflets Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-easy-read-resources (opens new window) on GOV.UK
- Mencap has advice for people with a learning disability Go to https://www.mencap.org.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine (opens new window)
- The National Autistic Society has information about the vaccines Go to https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/coronavirus/health/information-about-upcoming-coronavirus-vaccines (opens new window)
- Watch a video about the vaccine for people with a learning disability and autistic people Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3_uVzexkBU (opens new window)
- Watch a young autistic man talk about his experience of having the vaccine Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ppdvdf7hUws (opens new window)
- COVID-19 vaccination resources for children and young people on GOV.UK
Short breaks service update
Find information about how Short Breaks continue to run their service on the Community short breaks page on our Community Short Breaks page.
Children's Personal Budgets/Direct Payments
If you use Direct Payments to employ Personal Assistants (PAs) then you must have a plan in place if the PA can't come to work because of the coronavirus.
This might include family or friends or alternative staff members coming in to support you.
If staff or family or friends are not able to provide the care you need, then email: InclusionService@bristol.gov.uk
In your message you should give us your:
- full name
- child's name
- contact telephone number
We'll respond to you no later than the next working day.
If you can't email us then call the office. Our reduced staff will take your details and send the email on your behalf.
All non-urgent matters which do not require immediate action will be dealt with by our home based staff.
Emergency payments available for families returning to school
The Bristol City Council Local Crisis Prevention Fund (LCPF) is available for children and young people returning to school and you need help to cover payments for:
- food
- school uniforms
- shoes
- stationery
The payments are awarded in supermarket vouchers. You won't have to pay anything back.
You can apply for the emergency payment on the Apply for an emergency payment page. If you need help applying, you can ask the child's or young person's teacher or health professional to help you.
Other information and advice
Advice and Support
You can get advice and support from:
- Childline: call 0800 1111 or visit Childline website Go to https://www.childline.org.uk/ (opens new window)
- Bristol Samaritans : call 0330 094 5717 or visit Bristol Samaritans website Go to https://www.samaritans.org/branches/bristol/ (opens new window)
- Child Mind Institute article: Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus Go to https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/ (opens new window)
- Elsa Support: Coronavirus Story for Children Go to https://www.elsa-support.co.uk/coronavirus-story-for-children/ (opens new window)
- SEND And You (SAY): call 0117 989 7725 or visit SEND And You (SAY)
- Mencap: information and easy read guide Go to https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/health/coronavirus (opens new window)
- Bristol Support and Advice Line (SAL): telephone and online support to parents/carers, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, call 07464 357574 or email sal@bibic.org.uk
- Contact: find the latest information for families with disabled children, and support available
Mental health
You can get advice about mental health support from:
- CAMHS (if young person is currently under CAMHS) call 01454 862431 or if you are concerned that you're not able to keep your child safe or they're not able to keep themselves safe then take them to the Accident and Emergency department at Bristol Children's hospital or call for an ambulance
- BBC news: Coronavirus: How to protect your mental health Go to https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-51873799 (opens new window)
- Find mental health services in Bristol
Emergency
Emergency information:
- Police: call 101 for non-urgent or 999 if urgent and an immediate response is needed
- NHS: check if you have coronavirus symptons Go to https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19 (opens new window)and stay at home advice Go to https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-advice/ (opens new window)
- Safeguarding children: call the First Response Team on 0117 903 6444
- Access and Response Team (for Safeguarding concerns) call 01454 86 6000 (during working hours)
- Emergency duty team
- SEND hospital passport and NHS COVID-19 grab and go form