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Coronavirus (COVID-19): information and advice

Coronavirus (COVID-19): information and advice

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. 

Coronavirus support

Get support if you need help during coronavirus on the main Council website.

Easy read guide to Coronavirus rules (pdf, 1.9MB) (opens new window) from 19 July 2021.

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)

Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations

Vaccinations are currently only for people aged 18 and over.

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 
  • 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: