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Coronavirus (COVID-19): Information and advice

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Information and advice

Latest advice and information from central government, the NHS and other resources

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 Bristol Learning City.

Coronavirus support

Get support if you need help during coronavirus.

Information from Bristol City Council

Bristol City Council’s advice is in line with government policy. It is strongly recommended that any advice you follow is from a reliable source. 

Temporary legislative changes relating to coronavirus (Covid-19) and SEND

Guidance from the Department of Education about temporary legislative changes relating to coronavirus (Covid-19) and SEND and what it means for children and young people with SEND

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities update for parents

View our statement on how we're working and what you can expect while we use our best endeavours to manage the usual SEN practices.

Short breaks service update

The short breaks service have released a statement (pdf, 58KB) (opens new window) to explain how they will continue to run their service.

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.

Support message for children and young people

Staying safe during COVID-19: Coronavirus advice video from the disabled young people at the WECIL Youth Groups.

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 
  • stationary

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:

Mental Health

You can get advice about mental health support from:

Emergency 

Emergency information: