Responding to a new briefing by the Children’s Commissioner setting out the key actions needed to ensure children are at the heart of planning for any future coronavirus lockdowns, Cllr Teresa Heritage, Vice-Chairman of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“We know that many children will have been out of school for up to six months, which will have an impact on their mental wellbeing and development, and we support the Children’s Commissioner’s calls to keep schools open for as long as is possible.
“Councils have been working closely with schools throughout the coronavirus pandemic to ensure they remain open for vulnerable children and families, and where needed, councils have delivered vital IT equipment for children.
“As we look to return to normal from September, councils will continue to work with all schools and local partners but it will be essential that councils have the capacity and necessary data to play their full part in the Test and Trace programme.
“Any local decision to close a school will need to be based on the scientific advice.”
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