Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
Why should I continue my learning if I can’t attend my place of work?
We do not want the disruption caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to
prevent apprentices continuing to learn where this is still possible. Not
being able to apply the learning straight away might present some challenges,
but there are benefits from carrying on with the apprenticeship during this
time, including continued engagement and progression that can all be applied
to the job once it is safe and practical to do so.


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
Will I be paid for continuing my learning if I have been furloughed?
Yes. While furloughed you will still be paid by your employer and pay taxes
from your income. While you cannot undertake work for your employer while on
furlough you can undertake training. Where training has been required by your
employer you should be paid the appropriate minimum wage for the time spent
training. This will be covered as part of your furlough payment in the first
instance.
Your time spent training must be paid at the appropriate minimum wage. Where
the total furlough payment amount equates to less than the appropriate minimum
wage for the total amount of your time spent training, during the furlough
period, your employer should top up your furlough payment.


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
My employer is asking me to take a period of unpaid leave. What happens to my apprenticeship during that time?
Many employers who had planned to ask employees to take unpaid leave during
this period will now be able to access the government’s Coronavirus Job
Retention Scheme and receive financial support to keep you employed. You
should speak to your employer about this to understand whether you are still
being asked to take unpaid leave or if your status is now considered to be
furloughed. There is a section on furloughed apprentices in this document.
If you are still being asked to take unpaid leave, then you can take a break
from your apprenticeship and resume when you return to work. Please get in
touch with your training provider, who will inform us of a break in learning.
Once you are back at work you can resume your apprenticeship, which your
training provider can help with too. You should refer any queries around terms
and conditions, including wages, to your employer in the first instance.
ACAS may also be a good source of information.


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
We can deliver part of the EPA, but some sections require direct observation. How do we deal with these components?
These elements of the EPA will need to be rescheduled if they cannot be
undertaken remotely. If the EPA timeframe needs to be extended beyond what is
allowed in the assessment plan, the EPAO should seek agreement from the EQA
provider. Where a specified assessment method for a specific standard might be
adjusted without threatening safety and in a manner in which it meets the
original intent, EPAOs should discuss this option with their EQA provider, who
may refer it to IFATE for authority. The substitution of assessment methods is
not considered appropriate at this time.
With the prior authority of their EQA provider, assessments may be conducted
in an appropriate simulated environment, such as a training facility.
[EPA]: end-point assessment
  [EQA]: external quality assurance
  [EPAOs]: end-point assessment organisations
  [IFATE]: Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
If the current situation continues for a long period of time, would you consider awarding the apprenticeship without the EPA?
We would not consider this to be appropriate at the current time. Our
intention is to safeguard the quality of apprenticeships, and at this time we
believe that the EPA is an important part of that.
EQA providers have agreed flexibilities which apply to over 60 standards from
Actuarial Technician to Senior Equine Groom to Adult Care Worker. These
flexibilities have the potential to allow thousands of apprentices to
undertake EPA, despite the current operating constraints.
[EPA]: end-point assessment
  [EQA]: external quality assurance


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
Gateways are being delayed and we cannot complete the EPA in the required timeframe. Can we extend the EPA timeframe due to the current disruption?
Apprentices who are deemed ready for assessment, and cannot be assessed due to
assessor illness, or coronavirus (COVID-19) related measures, are allowed to
take a break before taking their EPA and for the EPA to be rescheduled.
If the EPA timeframe needs to be extended beyond what is allowed in the
assessment plan (where specified), EPAOs are responsible for agreeing
extensions to EPA timeframes during the current disruption. EPAOs should work
closely with EQA providers to ensure that quality of EPA is maintained. For
apprentices whose gateway is being delayed, the training provider must report
this as a break in learning in the ILR.
[EPA]: end-point assessment
  [EPAOs]: end-point assessment organisations
  [EQA]: external quality assurance
  [ILR]: individualised learner record


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
I am having to move critical worker staff into different and/or business critical roles that aren’t related to their apprenticeship. What happens to their apprenticeship if they can’t continue training?
Apprenticeship training must be linked to the job role that the individual is
undertaking. Where this link is broken temporarily, it is our goal that
apprentices can promptly resume their apprenticeship and continue to
successful completion of EPA at a future date. Funding rules currently state
that a break in learning must be initiated by the apprentice. Employers and
training providers can now temporarily also report and initiate a break in
learning where the interruption to learning is greater than 4 weeks. This
guidance document sets out what employers and training providers need to do
when breaks in learning are more or less than 4 weeks, and if that break
commences during or after March.
*[EPA]: end-point assessment


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
If I can’t work/attend training, will I still be paid?
An apprenticeship is a job with training, so even when you are not able to do
your training, you are still employed, unless you have been notified otherwise
by your employer. You will be paid in line with the details in your employment
contract.
Where you are unable to work, we suggest speaking to your employer about their
polices on pay. The government is providing a range of support to employers to
help them retain and pay the wages of employees (including apprentices) during
the coming months.


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
As an employer how will I know if I need to top up an employee’s wages if they are furloughed but continuing with their apprenticeship?
Where training is undertaken by furloughed employees, at the request of the
employer, they are entitled to be paid at least their appropriate National
Minimum Wage for this time. In most cases, the furlough payment of 80% of an
employee’s regular wage, up to the value of £2,500, will provide sufficient
monies to cover these training hours. However, where the overall time spent
training during the furlough period, attracts a minimum wage entitlement in
excess of the furlough payment, employers will need to pay the additional
wages. This is because time spent training is treated as working time for the
purposes of the minimum wage calculations, and therefore must be paid at the
appropriate rate, taking into account the increase in minimum wage rates from
1 April 2020.
Employers should consider the hours that an employee is expected to train
during the period of the furlough (which must be a 3-week minimum). Employers
will need to ensure that the furlough payment provides sufficient monies to
cover these training hours. Where the entire furlough payment equates to less
than the appropriate minimum wage entitlement for the training hours during
the furlough period, the employer will need to pay the additional wages to
ensure at least the appropriate minimum wage is paid for the time spent
training.
Our worked examples show how to calculate whether the furlough payment equates
to less than the appropriate minimum wage entitlement for time spent training.
Example 1:
18 year old first year apprentice is on a 37 hours per week contract and has
been furloughed. They are continuing to train for 1 day per week (7.5 hours
per week).
In terms of the National Minimum Wage (NMW) regulations they are entitled to
£4.15 for every hour they train. (Note that the NMW legislation does not apply
to time not in work or training.)
Over the 3 week furlough period (the pay reference period) this amounts to an
NMW entitlement of £93.38 (£4.15 x 7.5 hours x 3 weeks).
The 80% furlough payment that they have received from their employer is £368.
This furlough payment provides sufficient money to cover these training hours.
Example 2:
22 year old second year apprentice is on a 37 hours per week contract and has
been furloughed. They have agreed, with their employer and provider, to train
for 4 days per week (7.5 hours per day) (to cover as much off-the-job training
as possible during this period).
In terms of the National Minimum Wage regulations they are entitled to £8.20
for every hour they train. (Note that the NMW legislation does not apply to
time not in work or training.)
Over the 3 week furlough period (the pay reference period) this amounts to a
NMW entitlement of £738 (£8.20 x 7.5 hours x 4 days x 3 weeks).
The 80% furlough payment that they have received from their employer is
£728.16. This furlough payment does not provide sufficient money to cover
these training hours and the employer would need to top up the difference
(£9.84).
Note in both cases above the apprentice, prior to furlough, was paid at/close to the National Minimum Wage.
  [NMW]: National Minimum Wage


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
When an apprentice is working from home, can we count anything they do as off-the-job training?
Off-the-job training is a statutory requirement for an English apprenticeship.
It is training which is received by the apprentice during the apprentice’s
normal working hours, for the purpose of achieving the knowledge, skills and
behaviours of the approved apprenticeship referenced in the apprenticeship
agreement.
All off-the-job training must be directly relevant to the apprenticeship, but
this can now be delivered more flexibly, including remote working.
Employers may set employees training tasks when they’re working from home, but
where these are not directly linked to the apprenticeship, it cannot be
classed as off-the-job training.


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
Can an employer recruit a new member of staff into the business as an apprentice?
Yes, an employer can recruit and start apprenticeships as they would have done
prior to coronavirus (COVID-19), if all personal and programme eligibility
funding rules can be met and the provider is still able to support this
activity.
It is important to note that an employer can only claim for furloughed
employees that were on the PAYE payroll on or before 19 March 2020. Therefore,
it would not be possible for an employer to recruit an apprentice after this
date where the intention is to furlough this person immediately and claim wage
support from the CJRS.


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
Can EPAs be staggered to ease pressure on EPAOs?
It is the responsibility of the end-point assessment organisation to agree the
schedule of EPA. You should refer to the assessment plan for the
apprenticeship standard to check if there is a time limit for the assessment
taking place following gateway.
Where an EPA cannot be undertaken immediately, a pause and rescheduling might
be the only action. An extension of 12 weeks is allowable for those EPA plans
where a time limit is specified from gateway to EPA. It is to be logged on and
shared with EQA providers on a timely basis.
[EPA]: end-point assessment
  [EQA]: external quality assurance


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
Can I change training provider if they are offering more on-line/digital delivery?
A change in training provider can occur at any time, although it is likely to
be more difficult in the current climate.
When an apprentice and employer start working with a new training provider,
activity must take place to ensure that the apprenticeship programme and
apprentice are eligible for funding. Examples of necessary activity include:

initial assessment of the apprentice
completion and signing of agreements

Evidence must be collected and retained to support this activity but can be
held in a digital or electronic format.


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
If I need to self-isolate, what will happen to my apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships have been designed to be responsive to changes in apprentices’
circumstances, for example during a period of illness. If you need to self-
isolate, please talk to your employer and training provider about the best way
to continue with your apprenticeship or report a break in learning.
Options include:

an increase in e-learning
a short pause of less than 4 weeks in your apprenticeship while you are in self- isolation. This will not affect the planned end-date of your apprenticeship
a formal break in learning of 4 weeks or more that your training provider should report to the ESFA. This will result in the planned end-date for your apprenticeship being re-planned upon returning to learning to take into consideration the duration in line with the length of your break
re-scheduling planned assessment activity for a later date

The appropriate steps will be agreed based on your and your employer/ training
provider’s situation.
*[ESFA]: Education and Skills Funding Agency


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
My employer is enforcing a work from home policy and my classroom provision has been withdrawn. What are my options?
If you are unable to attend scheduled learning events, there are several
options available to you:

your training provider may provide digital or distance learning
you can take a short pause if it is likely your apprenticeship can resume in less than 4 weeks and you will still be able to complete your apprenticeship by the planned end-date
you can take a formal break in learning of 4 weeks or more which your training provider should report to the ESFA and will result in the planned end-date of your apprenticeship being re-planned upon returning to learning, to take into consideration the duration of your break

Please talk to your employer and training provider to agree the appropriate
steps for your circumstances.
*[ESFA]: Education and Skills Funding Agency


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
Will training providers be paid more for rescheduling off-the-job training and bringing it forward?
No, the normal monthly payment profile will apply over the length of the
apprenticeship, as it currently does whether providers deliver blocks of
training or more evenly spaced training. Providers should factor this in if
they are considering a change to the delivery methodology and timetable.


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
Can training continue for furloughed apprentices?
Yes, where apprentices are furloughed, they can continue to train for their
apprenticeships, as long as it does not provide services to or generate
revenue for their employer.


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
Apprentices are ready for EPA but can’t take it. Should they be paid more than the apprenticeship minimum wage now?
An apprentice is classed as an apprentice until they have taken their EPA.
Apprentices must be paid at least the apprentice minimum wage, but an employer
can choose to pay an apprentice more than this, all employers must comply with
National Minimum Wage legislation.
*[EPA]: end-point assessment


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship assessment frequently asked questions
What will happen if an apprentice’s line manager has been furloughed and their employer is unable to confirm their readiness to take EPA with their training provider and EPAO?
If the person who would normally sign an apprentice off as ready to take their
EPA has been furloughed, and there is no suitable alternative, we support
providers to make the gateway decision. This temporary arrangement can only be
relied upon where the provider can provide evidence to the EPAO that the
apprentice has met the relevant gateway requirements and is ready to sit their
EPA. Where this is not the case then the EPA should be rescheduled.
Apprentices whose gateway is delayed can have an extension to the assessment
timeframe.
*[EPA]: end-point assessment


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
Will employers and training providers need to revise the price of the apprenticeship if the delivery method is changing?
The price of an apprenticeship is negotiated and agreed upon by an employer
and provider. If any material changes occur to the agreed delivery method that
may result in a change in price, then this should be discussed and amended.
We accept that this might be challenging in the current environment and so,
while we would encourage material changes to be recorded, we understand it may
not be possible to do it immediately.
Employer-providers will need to ensure that they are only claiming for the
actual costs incurred throughout the apprenticeship and that these might now
have changed.


Guidance Guidance for apprentices, employers, training providers, end-point assessment organisations (EPAOs) and external quality assurance providers about changes to apprenticeships due to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apprenticeship training frequently asked questions
Can a furloughed apprentice use work technology (laptop etc) to access apprenticeship off-the-job training?
Yes, a work laptop can be used to access apprenticeship training if this is
the only option, but the apprentice must be mindful of the fact that whilst
they are furloughed they must not carry out their normal work.


Guidance Guidance for current students
I am still being charged for childcare although my children cannot attend. Will my Childcare Grant still cover this?
Yes. If you are still being charged by your childcare provider, and you’re
still a student, your Childcare Grant will still be paid. The amount payable
will remain capped at 85% of the cost charged, or the maximum applicable rate
of Childcare Grant, whichever is lower.
If you use the Childcare Grant Payment Service, you will need to continue to
review the invoices and approve your Childcare Grant payments online.


Guidance Guidance for current students
I cannot send new medical evidence from my GP because of COVID-19. Do I have to wait until I have new evidence to make my application for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs)?
No. Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, we understand that you may not be
able to get any new medical evidence or diagnostic assessment reports. You
should send us any evidence you already have so we can check your eligibility
for DSAs. If we need additional evidence, we will let you know.
Student Finance England will accept an evaluation of need in place of a full
diagnostic assessment if you have Specific Learning Difficulties. If you have
an evaluation of need, you should email it to
dsa_medical_evidence@slc.co.uk along
with your full name, customer reference number and date of birth. Student
Finance England will accept any evaluation of need completed up to and
including 31 August 2020.


Guidance Guidance for current students
What if I cannot post the evidence you’ve asked for because I’m self-isolating or unwell?
Don’t worry about sending evidence just now if you’re not able to. Our
priority is your safety and well-being so stay at home. If you send us
evidence later than normal, we’ll make sure you don’t lose out on student
finance because of this.


Guidance Guidance for current students
Will I still get student finance next year if I have to repeat or extend my study?
Yes. We already have a process for handling this type of situation where
students sometimes have to repeat a year for various reasons.
For any period of previous study you will still be able to get a Maintenance
Loan.
A Tuition Fee Loan is available for the full length of your first course, plus
one extra year if needed. If you don’t have enough years of funding left to
cover your course fees, you may be able to get an extra year of support due to
compelling personal reasons.
If you’re eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs), you’ll receive
DSA support for the duration of your studies. DSAs are unaffected by previous
study.


Guidance Guidance for current students
Will my payments be delayed?
No. SLC can confirm that students will receive their scheduled or next
instalment of their Maintenance Loan at the planned start of their summer
term, regardless of whether their university or provider has made alternative
arrangements for teaching.


Guidance Guidance for current students
If my placement is delayed what impact will this have on my student finance?
If your current academic year gets extended, meaning your course lasts longer
than 30 weeks and 3 days, we will assess you for what we call a ‘Long Courses
Loan’.
The Long Courses Loan is part of the Maintenance Loan so to be eligible, you
must be getting the extra Maintenance Loan that depends on your household
income.
Your university or college will have to tell us about this extension before we
can assess you for the Long Courses Loan.


Guidance Guidance for current students
My childcare provider has closed and you’ve sent me a CCG2 form. If I can’t send this back will I still be paid Childcare?
Don’t worry about sending us a CCG2 form just now if you’re not able to. Our
priority is your health and well-being so stay at home. When we get your form
later in the year we’ll finalise your payments then.
If you have been overpaid, we’ll reduce your 2020/21 grant entitlement by the
overpayment amount. We understand this may cause you financial hardship.
Should this happen, we will work with you at the time to find a more
affordable way for you to pay back the overpayment.


Guidance Guidance for current students
If my academic year gets extended, will student finance be extended to help me cover that?
Yes. If your current academic year gets extended, meaning your course lasts
longer than 30 weeks and 3 days, we will assess you for what we call a ‘Long
Courses Loan’.
The Long Courses Loan is part of the Maintenance Loan so to be eligible, you
must be getting the extra Maintenance Loan that depends on your household
income.
Your university or college will have to tell us about this extension before we
can assess you for the Long Courses Loan.
If you’re eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs), you’ll receive
DSAs support for any extensions given by your university or college.


Guidance Guidance for current students
Can I still contact you if I need help?
We’re pleased to confirm that we have now began to operate a partial service
in our contact centres for students in
England,
Wales and Northern
Ireland following a temporary closure.
We only have a limited number of staff available and we are prioritising
urgent enquiries so please do not call if you have a general enquiry.
Our Student Finance England social media team are now available to answer
questions about your funding on Facebook
and Twitter.
Students in Wales can find out general information on the Student Finance
Wales Facebook and
Twitter pages.


Guidance Guidance for current students
I’ve had to come back from the UK before the end of my year abroad. I’m now doing alternative study, will I still get my student finance?
Yes. If you are continuing your studies remotely, your tuition fees and living
costs will still be paid as planned.


Guidance Guidance for current students
I am a Migrant Worker, how will COVID-19 affect my student finance?
Any payments which shown in your online account will be paid to you as
scheduled.
We will not be asking for any more evidence of employment for the rest of the
2019 to 2020 academic year.
If your employment situation changes, you can send us evidence of this later
when it’s safe to do so.


Guidance Guidance for current students
I am looking to reapply as a Migrant Worker, how will the COVID-19 outbreak affect this?
We understand that you may be worried about qualifying as a Migrant Worker due
to changes in your employment. We are working with the government to answer
any questions you may have and will have an update soon.
If your employment hasn’t been affected, you should apply now for 2020 to
2021.
If your employment has been affected, you can apply now as an EU student to
ensure your Tuition Fee Loan is in place. You can apply for Migrant Worker
funding later, once we have clear guidance for you.


Guidance Guidance for current students
Will I still get paid if I’m not studying on campus anymore or my school, college or university has closed?
Further Education
For Advanced Learner Loans, we will continue to make scheduled fee payment to
providers. Providers must continue to inform us if and when a learner’s
circumstances change.
For Education Maintenance Allowance in Wales, colleges are allowed to continue
EMA payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, at their discretion. Learner
absence for reasons of illness, self-isolation or college closure can all be
treated as authorised absences.


Guidance Guidance for current students
My parent/partner has recently lost their job. How will this affect my student finance?
Some student finance is based on your household income so we’ll need financial
details from your parent(s) or partner to calculate how much funding you can
get. However, we understand that financial circumstances can change and we
have a process in place to help with that. This process makes sure you won’t
lose out on any student finance you’re entitled to.
During the student finance application process your parent(s)/partner will be
asked to provide financial details from a previous tax year. If they’ve lost
their job and are not earning as much now as they did then, we can look at
your application based on their ‘Current Year Income (CYI)’. But this can only
be done after they’ve given us the details of the previous tax year.
There are different rules for the CYI process depending on where you live in
the UK and also the type of student finance you’re applying for – to find out
the specific rules that apply to you go to the relevant website:

Student Finance England
Student Finance Wales
Student Finance Northern Ireland


Guidance Guidance for current students
I cannot get to a Study Needs Assessment Centre because of COVID-19. What should I do?
Needs Assessments can be done remotely if you cannot attend in person. The
Assessment Centre will confirm in their report that your assessment was
completed remotely.
If you prefer a face to face assessment, or the disability/condition you have
cannot be assessed remotely, you should contact your Assessment Centre as soon
as you can. They will give you further information about booking your Needs
Assessment.
If your Needs Assessment is completed remotely or face to face, we will only
process your application for Disabled Students’ Allowances once we receive the
report from your Assessment Centre.


Guidance Guidance for current students
My parent/partner has recently lost their job. How will this affect my student finance?
2019/20 Academic year
If your student finance has already been calculated for 2019/20 using the CYI
process, we may need to contact your parent(s) or partner for financial
evidence for the 2019/20 tax year. In this case, we’ll get in touch with them
in late 2020. If their income is different to what they estimated previously,
your student finance will have to be recalculated.


Guidance Guidance for current students
Will travel grant entitlement be affected for students that have to return early to the UK due to COVID-19?
As long as you’ve spent at least 50% of your term abroad, any travel grant
claims for that time abroad can still be submitted and will be processed as
normal. Also, any payments already made to you will not be changed.


Guidance Guidance for current students
How is my non-medical helper support affected by COVID-19?
If the type of support offered by your non-medical helper is now done
remotely, your Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) will still cover the cost
of this. You should agree that remote support is acceptable with your non-
medical helper provider.
We understand that you may not have been able to attend classes because they
were cancelled by your university or college, and this could have impacted
your non-medical helper support. For Student Finance England, cancellations of
your non-medical helper will not be paid from your DSAs allowances.
The rules are different for Student Finance
Wales and Student
Finance Northern Ireland.


Guidance Guidance for prospective students
What if I cannot post the evidence you’ve asked for because I’m self-isolating or unwell?
Don’t worry about sending evidence just now if you’re not able to. Our
priority is your safety and well-being so stay at home. If you send us
evidence later than normal we’ll make sure you don’t lose out on student
finance because of this.


Guidance Guidance for prospective students
Will my application be delayed?
Although these are extraordinary circumstances, we will continue to process
any applications that have been received as quickly as we can. We do not
currently expect any delays.


Guidance Guidance for prospective students
I am looking to apply as a Migrant Worker, how will the COVID-19 outbreak affect this?
We understand that you may be worried about qualifying as a Migrant Worker due
to changes in your employment. We are working with the government to answer
any questions you may have and will have an update soon.
If your employment hasn’t been affected, you should apply now.
If your employment has been affected, you can apply now as an EU student to
ensure your Tuition Fee Loan is in place. You can apply for Migrant Worker
funding later, once we have clear guidance for you.


Guidance Guidance for prospective students
Can I still apply for student finance?
New and existing students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland can continue
to apply for student finance and we will continue to process any applications
that have been received as quickly as we can.
Postgraduate and part-time undergraduate student finance applications for
academic year 2020 to 2021 are scheduled to open later this year. We will keep
you updated on our social media channels.


Guidance Guidance for prospective students
I cannot post my DSA1 form to you because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Can I email it?
Yes. If you’ve printed and signed your DSA1 form, we can accept a scanned copy
of it. We can also accept a digital version of the form with your digital
signature.
The process is different depending on who is providing your DSAs.

For Student Finance England, send your form to dsa_team@slc.co.uk
For Student Finance Wales, send your form to sfw_dsa_team@slc.co.uk
For Student Finance Northern Ireland, send your form to the DSAs officer are your local Student Finance NI (SFNI) office.

Please be aware, these email addresses may not be able to respond to general
DSA queries.


Guidance Guidance for prospective students
I cannot complete my DSA1 form as my university or college is closed. What should I do?
When filling in the DSA1 form, you can leave Section 5 blank. You should ask
your university or college to send us an email confirming:

your full name
your customer reference number (if known)
the academic year you’re applying for
your course start date
your course end date
your year of study. For example, year 1 of 3
your level of study. For example, undergraduate or postgraduate
whether you’re in attendance on your course or studying as part of a distance learning course
whether you’re studying full-time or part-time
if you’re studying part-time, the intensity of your course. For example, 50% of the full-time equivalent

For Student Finance England, your college or university should email
dsa_team@slc.co.uk
For Student Finance Wales, your college or university should email
sfw_dsa_team@slc.co.uk
For Student Finance Northern Ireland, your college or university should email
the DSAs officer at your local Student Finance NI (SFNI) office.


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Should social care visits to extremely clinically vulnerable children and young people continue?
Extra care should be taken visiting children and young people who are
extremely clinically vulnerable and so are at very high risk of severe illness
from coronavirus because of an underlying health condition. They should follow
shielding guidelines and stay
at home at all times and avoid face-to-face contact where possible.
Coronavirus brings additional risk and complexity to social work practice and
may necessitate some different ways of working which should always be risk-
based.
Visits to provide essential support such as social care or personal care
should continue only following a robust risk assessment.


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
How should I care for young children or children with special educational needs who do not understand why they must stay apart or who ignore distancing guidelines?
Young children and children with special educational needs may not be able to
understand the need for social distancing and may also seek close interaction
with their peers or adults to provide reassurance at a period of disruption to
their routines.
It is imperative that education, childcare and children’s social care settings
conduct risk assessments around managing groups of children within the
setting. This should include limiting the number of children in each group and
reducing this to provide more space in each classroom or learning area.
As far as possible, small groups of children should be supported by consistent
staffing, and groups should remain as consistent as possible throughout the
outbreak.


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
How should PPE and face coverings be disposed of?
Used PPE and any disposable face coverings that staff, children, young people
or other learners arrive wearing should be placed in a refuse bag and can be
disposed of as normal domestic waste unless the wearer has symptoms of
coronavirus, in line with the guidance on cleaning for non-healthcare
settings.
Any homemade non-disposable face coverings that staff or children, young
people or other learners are wearing when they arrive at their setting must be
removed by the wearer and placed into a plastic bag that the wearer has
brought with them in order to take it home. The wearer must then clean their
hands.
To dispose of waste from people with symptoms of coronavirus, such as
disposable cleaning cloths, tissues and PPE:

put it in a plastic rubbish bag and tie it when full
place the plastic bag in a second bin bag and tie it
put it in a suitable and secure place marked for storage for 72 hours

Waste should be stored safely and securely kept away from children. You should
not put your waste in communal waste areas until the waste has been stored for
at least 72 hours. Storing for 72 hours saves unnecessary waste movements and
minimises the risk to waste operatives. This waste does not require a
dedicated clinical waste collection in the above circumstances.
Settings such as residential care homes or special schools that generate
clinical waste should continue to follow their usual waste policies.
Further information is also available in the cleaning non-healthcare settings
guidance.
*[PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
What care should be taken in residential settings, including residential schools, residential special schools and children’s care homes?
Residential settings in which no one is showing symptoms should respond to
coronavirus like any other domestic household. However, it is important that
soft toys are not shared between children.
Where a child in a residential setting develops symptoms of coronavirus:

staff can continue to enter and leave the home as required, consistent staff rotas should be used where possible and staff should follow good infection prevention control
the isolation guidance for residential settings should be followed
staff should wear PPE for activities requiring close contact
staff should adhere to social distancing guidelines as far as they are able to, but should take account of children’s emotional needs

*[PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
What care should be taken in foster care settings?
Foster homes in which no one is showing symptoms of coronavirus should respond
to coronavirus like any other domestic household. This should not prevent the
delivery of care to children.
If foster carers are caring for a child who develops symptoms of coronavirus,
their fostering service should:

assess the ability of the carer to continue to deliver care to the child
ensure the foster home follows the guidance for households to avoid the spread of infection
consult the foster carer on how best to protect themselves and the child

If foster carers develop symptoms of coronavirus, their fostering service
should:

assess the ability of the carer to continue to deliver care to the child
ensure the foster home follows the guidance for households to avoid the spread of infection
if additional support is needed for the carer or child, ensure that staff providing this care are provided with PPE prior to entering the home and follow the guidance below on home visiting

Foster carers are able to request PPE from their fostering service provider,
if needed, in line with guidance for local authorities on children’s social
care.
*[PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Is PPE required for tasks involving changing nappies or general care for babies?
Staff should follow their normal practice when changing nappies and caring for
babies more generally, provided the child is not showing symptoms of
coronavirus. This includes continuing to use the PPE that they would normally
wear in these situations, for example aprons and gloves. If a child shows
symptoms, they should not attend a childcare setting and should be at home.
*[PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
What specific steps should be taken to care for children with complex medical needs, such as tracheostomies?
There are a small number of medical procedures which increase the risk of
transmission through aerosols (tiny droplets) being transferred from the
patient to the care giver. These are known as aerosol generating procedures
(AGPs). Within education and children’s social care settings these are only
undertaken for a very small number of children with complex medical needs,
such as those receiving tracheostomy care.
Staff performing AGPs in these settings should follow Public Health England’s
personal protective equipment (PPE) guidance on aerosol generating
procedures, and wear the correct PPE
which is:

a FFP2/3 respirator
gloves
a long-sleeved fluid repellent gown
eye protection

The respirator required for AGPs must be fitted correctly (known as ‘fit
testing’) by an individual trained to do this. Staff in education and
children’s social care settings that need support with fit testing should
contact the appropriate health lead for the child/young person. This could be
either via the Designated Clinical Officer for SEND for support from the local
Clinical Commissioning Group, or via the lead nursing team in the health
provider.
[AGPs]: aerosol generating procedures
  [PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
How should I care for children who regularly spit?
If non-symptomatic children present behaviours which may increase the risk of
droplet transmission (such as spitting), they should continue to receive care
in the same way, including any existing routine use of PPE.
To reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission, no additional PPE is
necessary, but additional space and frequent cleaning of surfaces, objects and
toys will be required. Cleaning arrangements should be increased in all
settings, with a specific focus on surfaces which are touched a lot. Read
guidance on cleaning for non-healthcare
settings.
*[PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
In non-residential settings, what should be done if a child, young person or other learner becomes unwell with symptoms of coronavirus and needs to be cared for until they can return home?
If anyone in an education, childcare or non-residential children social care
setting becomes unwell with a new, continuous cough or a high temperature, or
has a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste of smell, they must
be sent home and advised to follow the guidance for households with possible
coronavirus
infection.
If a child is awaiting collection, they should be moved, if possible, to a
room where they can be isolated behind a closed door, with appropriate adult
supervision if required depending on the age of the child. Ideally, a window
should be opened for ventilation. If it is not possible to isolate them, move
them to an area which is at least 2 metres away from other people.
If they need to go to the bathroom while waiting to be collected, they should
use a separate bathroom if possible. The bathroom should be cleaned and
disinfected using standard cleaning products before being used by anyone else.
PPE should be worn by staff caring for the child while they await collection
if direct personal care is needed and a distance of 2 metres cannot be
maintained (such as for a very young child or a child with complex needs).
In an emergency, call 999 if they are seriously ill or injured or their life
is at risk. Do not visit the GP, pharmacy, urgent care centre or a hospital.
If a member of staff has helped someone with symptoms they do not need to go
home unless they develop symptoms themselves. They should wash their hands
thoroughly for 20 seconds after any contact with someone who is unwell.
Cleaning the affected area with normal household disinfectant after someone
with symptoms has left will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to
other people. Read guidance about cleaning non-healthcare
settings.
*[PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
How to work safely in specific situations, including where PPE may be required
Reference to PPE in the following situations means:

fluid-resistant surgical face masks
disposable gloves
disposable plastic aprons
eye protection (for example a face visor or goggles)

Where PPE is recommended, this means that:

a facemask should be worn if a distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained from someone with symptoms of coronavirus
if contact is necessary, then gloves, an apron and a facemask should be worn
if a risk assessment determines that there is a risk of fluids entering the eye from, for example, coughing, spitting or vomiting, then eye protection should also be worn

When PPE is used, it is essential that it is used properly. This includes
scrupulous hand hygiene and following guidance on how to put PPE on and take
it off safely in order to
reduce self-contamination.
Face masks must:

cover both nose and mouth
not be allowed to dangle around the neck
not be touched once put on, except when carefully removed before disposal
be changed when they become moist or damaged
be worn once and then discarded - hands must be cleaned after disposal

*[PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
What care should be taken in early years settings?
Because it is challenging to reduce contact between young children in early
years settings, regular cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, objects and
toys, as well as handwashing, are particularly important. The use of soft toys
and toys with intricate parts or that are otherwise hard to clean should be
avoided. Read guidance on cleaning for non-healthcare
settings.
Settings should manage risks by keeping children in small groups and trying,
as far as possible, to keep the same children and staff members together from
day to day. Settings should consider staggering mealtimes and should
discourage parents and carers from gathering at setting entrances. As far as
possible, parents and carers should not enter early years premises.


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
What care should staff visiting families in their own homes take?
Social workers, other children’s social care staff and anyone else considering
the need for a home visit should follow the children’s social care services
guidance and make a judgement
about visiting which balances considerations of the:

risks to children and young people
risks to families
risks to the workforce
national guidance on social distancing and hygiene
statutory responsibilities, including safeguarding

Staff and their managers are best placed to make professional judgements of
risk in each case and decide what form of contact they need.
There are many ways to keep in touch with a child, young person or family
without physical face-to-face contact. It is expected that these will be
utilised appropriately and proportionately, including in response to any risk
assessment undertaken for the child on a case by case basis.
Prior to undertaking a visit, an attempt should be made to ascertain whether
any member of the household is suffering from symptoms of coronavirus. An
initial risk assessment, where possible, should take place by
telephone.
Where households report no coronavirus symptoms, no PPE is required, but a
distance of 2 metres should be maintained where possible. Where this is not
possible, you should undertake a risk
assessment. Good basic hygiene should be followed, such as
handwashing or use of sanitiser before and after the visit, and not touching
your face during the visit.
Where households are reporting coronavirus symptoms, PPE should be worn if a
distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained.
Where it is not possible to ascertain whether any member of the household is
suffering from symptoms of coronavirus prior to face to face contact, steps
should be taken where practical, to mitigate risk. These steps include but are
not restricted to:

knocking on the front door or ringing the doorbell and then stepping back to a distance of 2 metres in adherence to social distancing guidelines
taking PPE as a precautionary measure

*[PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
What protection is needed when transporting children?
If the children or young people being transported do not have symptoms of
coronavirus, there is no need for a driver to use PPE.
In non-residential settings, any child, young person or other learner who
starts displaying coronavirus symptoms while at their setting should wherever
possible be collected by a member of their family or household. In exceptional
circumstances, where this is not possible, and the setting needs to take
responsibility for transporting them home, or where a symptomatic child or
young person needs to be transported between residential settings, you should
do one of the following:

use a vehicle with a bulkhead
the driver and passenger should maintain a distance of 2 metres from each other
the driver should use PPE, and the passenger should wear a face mask if they are old enough and able to do so

*[PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
Are all children and young people with EHC plans expected to attend?
Vulnerable children and young people are expected to attend, if it is
appropriate for them (for example where there are no shielding concerns for
the child or young person or their household, and/or following a risk
assessment for children or young people with an EHC plan). This is so they can
access the educational and wellbeing benefits of attending. Vulnerable
children and young people – regardless of year group – who have not been
attending in the recent period are expected to return to nursery, early years,
school or college provision if it is now appropriate for them to do so.
There is further information on attendance outlined in the guidance on
actions for educational and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening
from 1 June 2020.
*[EHC]: education, health and care plan


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
Does school or college provision have to be delivered as it usually is for children and young people with EHC plans?
Due to the unprecedented circumstances presented by coronavirus, the section
42 Children and Families Act 2014 duty to secure the provision within an EHC
plan has been temporarily modified so that local authorities and health
commissioning bodies must use their ‘reasonable endeavors’ to discharge this
duty. This means that local authorities and health bodies must consider what
they need to provide for each individual child or young person with an EHC
plan during the period that the modified section 42 duty is in force. For some
children and young people, the provision specified in their plan will continue
to be delivered, but for others, the provision may need temporarily to be
different to that which is set out in their EHC plan.
More information is available in the guidance on changes to the law on
education, health and care needs assessments and plans due to
coronavirus.
As per the actions for education and childcare settings to prepare for wider
opening from 1 June 2020
guidance, no school will be penalised if it is unable to offer a
broad and balanced curriculum to its pupils during this period.
*[EHC]: education, health and care plan


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
Can the risk assessment be reviewed or changed as events change?
Yes. Local authorities and educational settings will need to revisit and
update risk assessments as circumstances change. For example, the needs of
some children and young people may be able to be met at home but only for a
finite amount of time.


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
Who might be involved in supporting learning for those children and young people who remain at home, on a full or part time basis?
Educational settings should ensure that pupils and students who are not
attending settings full time in person continue to engage in learning as far
as is possible (for example through remote education), and that an increasing
focus is put on preparing the way for their return. Providers should engage
proactively with parents and carers to explain the support that their children
are receiving, to discuss the plans for returning and to consider how parents
can support this and any additional help they might need.
We have an experienced, expert workforce of special educational needs
coordinators (SENCos), education psychologists, speech and language
therapists, qualified teachers of sensory impairments, other therapists, and
teaching assistants often with specialist knowledge.
Designing at-home learning and support for children and young people with EHC
plans could involve any or all of these professionals, to design or adapt
interventions or learning materials. For example, this might involve designing
a speech and language intervention that parents can deliver at home, or
adapting or selecting online learning materials.
For those children and young people with EHC plans in mainstream schools and
colleges, SENCos will typically lead on ensuring that they have access to
materials they can use to learn, often drawing on other professionals to
source or adapt online learning that addresses a child or young person’s
special educational needs. Similarly, education psychologists may play a key
role in recommending the essential provision for a child or young person to
receive at home.
In addition to a suite of online lessons and materials available from the Oak
National Academy’s specialist
curriculum for
children and young people with profound needs, we are helping parents to
support learning at home, including by publishing a list of online learning
resources for children with
SEND.
[EHC]: education, health and care plan
  [SEND]: special educational needs and disability


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
What does it mean for attendance to be ‘appropriate’ or ‘expected’ for particular children and young people?
The guidance on vulnerable children and young
people refers to pupils
and students attending if it is ‘appropriate’. For children and young people
with an EHC plan, when a child or young person’s needs can be met as safely or
more safely in the educational environment, attendance is deemed ‘appropriate’
and these children and young people should be strongly encouraged to attend.
If their needs cannot be met as safely or more safely in the educational
environment, attendance is ‘not appropriate’ at this time and these children
and young people should remain at home and be supported through remote
education and other services, where possible. Local authorities and
educational providers should keep risk assessments under review, in case
circumstances change and a different decision is needed.
*[EHC]: education, health and care plan


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
Is the government prescribing a particular form or process for the risk assessment?
No. Local authorities and educational settings will have their own
arrangements in place. We trust local leaders to agree what the most
appropriate and proportionate formats are.


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
Can dual-registered children and young people attend both settings?
Moving between settings will increase the risk of viral spread, however there
are circumstances where this may be required, such as where a child or young
person’s needs cannot be met without provision in two settings. This means
that provision in two settings is possible, but will be subject to the child
or young person’s individual risk assessment, and on the ability of both
settings to accommodate the child or young person. These risk assessments are
likely to be complex, and the two settings may need to liaise with one
another. It may be best for a child or young person to return to only one
setting, or to return to one setting first before returning to both, so that
their opportunity to receive on-site education is not delayed due to those
complexities.


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
Who needs to be involved in making/updating the risk assessment?
The key risk assessors should be local authorities and educational settings,
taking into account the needs and views of the child/young person, their
parents/carers and social workers and virtual school heads where appropriate.
Where an educational setting makes a decision without being able to involve
the local authority, for instance where circumstances are changing too
rapidly, they should inform the local authority of that decision immediately.
Where a child or young person is not initially returning to their educational
setting, local authorities and educational settings need to ensure that the
family understands the support plan that is in place for them.
If a child or young person has a diagnosis of a learning disability (such as
profound and multiple learning difficulties, or a severe learning difficulty),
autism or both, and behaviours that challenge or a mental health condition,
the risk assessors should ensure, with the agreement of the family, that the
child is identified on the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group dynamic support
register (see the nasen guide improving health care: learning disabilities
and
autism
for further information).


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
What about the risk to staff working hands-on with pupils and students who cannot adhere to strict hygiene practices?
We recognise that some children and young people with special educational
needs present behaviours that are challenging to manage in the current
context, such as spitting uncontrollably. It will be impossible to provide the
care that some children and young people need without close hands-on contact.
In these circumstances, staff should minimise close contact wherever possible,
increase hand-washing and other hygiene measures, and clean surfaces more
regularly and maintain existing routine use of personal protective equipment.
We recommend that educational settings follow the Public Health England
guidance on cleaning in non-healthcare
settings and the guidance on safe working in education, childcare and
children’s social care
settings.


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
Has the responsibility for special educational provision changed?
Responsibility for commissioning any at-home special educational provision
lies with the local authority responsible for maintaining the EHC plan,
although it may be possible for some of the provision to be provided by the
school or college or even in a home setting. The local authority should work
with the educational setting to ensure that parents and carers are aware of
the education, health and care services available to them at home.
Under the temporarily modified section 42 duty, local authorities and health
commissioning bodies must use their ‘reasonable endeavours’ to discharge the
duty to secure or arrange the provision specified in a child or young person’s
EHC plan. We have published detailed guidance on the changes to the law on
education, health and care needs assessments and
plans due
to coronavirus. It includes some illustrative examples of the type of
arrangements that might be reasonable for local authorities and health
commissioning bodies to put in place.
*[EHC]: education, health and care plan


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
How does this guidance impact children and young people who have an EHC plan and a social worker?
There are a significant number of children and young people with an EHC plan
and a social worker.
Decisions about whether these children and young people should attend or
return to an educational setting should be made collaboratively on an
individual basis. Local authorities and educational settings should work with
parents or carers, the child or young person and social workers to undertake
or update a risk assessment to determine where the child or young person’s
needs and best interests can be best met.
*[EHC]: education, health and care plan


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
What should be considered when updating risk assessments?
For children and young people for whom a risk assessment continues to be
recommended, up to and/or after 1 June, their risk assessment will need to
balance a number of different risks, including:

the potential health risks to the individual from coronavirus, bearing in mind any underlying health conditions/ clinical vulnerability. For further information, refer to the guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from coronavirus
the risk to the individual if some or all elements of their EHC plan temporarily cannot be delivered in the normal manner or in the usual setting, and the opportunities to meet needs in a different way temporarily, for example, in the home or online or in a different way at school
the ability of the individual’s parents or carers or home to ensure that their health and care needs can be met safely week-round or for multiple weeks, bearing in mind the family’s access to respite care. (This may be particularly important to consider, from 1 June, for those children and young people who are not in the year groups prioritised for a return to education settings.)
any risk to siblings or family members if the child or young person’s condition prevents or inhibits self-regulation and if their behaviours cannot be supported or managed by parents or carers at home
the potential impact to the individual’s wellbeing of changes to routine or the way in which provision is delivered
any safeguarding risks for children with a social worker if not in school and the need to support care placements for looked-after children (see the vulnerable children and young people guidance for further information on school attendance for children with a social worker)
any other out-of-school/college risk or vulnerability, for example, a child or young person becoming involved in dangerous behaviour or situations (including the risk of exploitation)

If a risk assessment determines that a child or young person’s needs continue
to be more safely met at home, local authorities, educational settings and
parents should consider whether moving either equipment or services into a
child or young person’s home would enable them to be supported there. This may
be a more feasible solution for day settings than residential settings, and
may include:

physiotherapy equipment
sensory equipment
online sessions with different types of therapists
phone support for parents in delivering interventions
in-person services, where necessary

*[EHC]: education, health and care plan


Guidance Supporting children and young people with SEND as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening
Questions and answers
Why is it now safe for some children to return to school or college when it wasn’t previously?
There will be many children and young people with EHC plans who, following
their original risk assessment, have not been attending their educational
setting because it was determined that their needs could be more safely met at
home. Risks change over time, and the phased return to educational settings
will only take place if the national risk level is lower than it was when
educational settings were first asked to close to most pupils and students,
i.e. if the government’s five key
tests are met. When that is the case, it will be
right for educational settings and local authorities, working with families,
to bring back more children and young people who have not been attending their
educational setting. This will be based on individual risk assessments and
within the limits of what the educational setting is capable of accommodating,
given any staff absences and the need for protective measures.
*[EHC]: education, health and care plan


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms and when should I seek medical care?
If you have minor symptoms, such as a slight cough or a mild fever, there is
generally no need to seek medical care. Stay at home, self-isolate and monitor
your symptoms. Follow national guidance on self-isolation.
However, if you live in an area with malaria or dengue fever it is important
that you do not ignore symptoms of fever. Seek medical help. When you attend
the health facility wear a mask if possible, keep at least 1 metre distance
from other people and do not touch surfaces with your hands. If it is a child
who is sick help the child stick to this advice.
Seek immediate medical care if you have difficulty breathing or pain/pressure
in the chest. If possible, call your health care provider in advance, so
he/she can direct you to the right health facility.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
Are antibiotics effective in preventing or treating COVID-19?
No. Antibiotics do not work against viruses; they only work on bacterial
infections. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, so antibiotics do not work.
Antibiotics should not be used as a means of prevention or treatment of
COVID-19. In hospitals physicians will sometimes use antibiotics to prevent or
treat secondary bacterial infections which can be a complication of COVID-19
in severely ill patients. They should only be used as directed by a physician
to treat a bacterial infection.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
How long does it take after exposure to COVID-19 to develop symptoms?
The time between exposure to COVID-19 and the moment when symptoms start is
commonly around five to six days but can range from 1 – 14 days.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
How to properly wear a medical mask?
If you choose to wear a mask:

Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water
Take the mask and inspect it for tears or holes.
Orient which side is the top side (where the metal strip is).
Ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side).
Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose.
Pull down the mask’s bottom so it covers your mouth and your chin.
Do not touch the mask while you are wearing it for protection.
After use, take off the mask with clean hands; remove the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask.
Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately after use. Do not reuse the mask.
Perform hand hygiene after touching or discarding the mask – Use alcohol-based hand rub or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water.

Be aware that there is a global shortage of medical masks (both surgical masks
and N95 masks). These should be reserved as much as possible for health care
workers.
Remember that masks are not a substitute for other, more effective ways to
protect yourself and others against COVID-19 such as frequently washing your
hands, covering your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a
distance of at least 1 meter from others. See basic protective measures
against the new coronavirus for more
information.
Follow the advice of your national health authority on the use of masks.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
How can we protect others and ourselves if we don't know who is infected?
Practicing hand and respiratory hygiene is important at ALL times and is the
best way to protect others and yourself ~~.~~
When possible maintain at least a 1 meter distance between yourself and
others. This is especially important if you are standing by someone who is
coughing or sneezing. Since some infected persons may not yet be exhibiting
symptoms or their symptoms may be mild, maintaining a physical distance with
everyone is a good idea if you are in an area where COVID-19 is circulating.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
How to grocery shop safely?
When grocery shopping, keep at least 1-metre distance from others and avoid
touching your eyes, mouth and nose. If possible, sanitize the handles of
shopping trolleys or baskets before shopping. Once home, wash your hands
thoroughly and also after handling and storing your purchased products.
There is currently no confirmed case of COVID-19 transmitted through food or
food packaging.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
Can I catch COVID-19 from my pet or other animals?
Several dogs and cats (domestic cats and tigers) in contact with infected
humans have tested positive for COVID-19. In addition, ferrets appear to be
susceptible to the infection. In experimental conditions, both cats and
ferrets were able to transmit infection to other animals of the same species.
However, there is no evidence that these animals can transmit the disease to
humans and spread COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets
produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
Minks raised in farms have also been detected with the virus. Most likely,
they have been infected by farm workers. In a few instances, the minks that
were infected by humans have transmitted the virus to other people. These are
the first reported cases of animal-to-human transmission.
It is still recommended that people who are sick with COVID-19 and people who
are at risk limit contact with companion and other animals. When handling and
caring for animals, basic hygiene measures should always be implemented. This
includes hand washing after handling animals, their food or supplies, as well
as avoiding kissing, licking or sharing food.
More recommendations are available on the OIE website:
https://www.oie.int/en/scientific-expertise/specific-information-and-
recommendations/questions-and-answers-on-2019novel-coronavirus/
WHO continues to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID-19 topics
and will update as new findings are available.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
How long does the virus survive on surfaces?
The most important thing to know about coronavirus on surfaces is that they
can easily be cleaned with common household disinfectants that will kill the
virus. Studies have shown that the COVID-19 virus can survive for up to 72
hours on plastic and stainless steel, less than 4 hours on copper and less
than 24 hours on cardboard.
As, always clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with
soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, or nose.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is the infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered
coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began
in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. COVID-19 is now a pandemic affecting many
countries globally.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
Can I catch COVID-19 from the faeces of someone with the disease?
While initial investigations suggest the virus may be present in faeces in
some cases, to date, there have not been reports of faecal-oral transmission
of COVID-19. Additionally, there is no evidence to date on the survival of the
COVID-19 virus in water or sewage.
WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways COVID-19 is spread and will
continue to share new findings on this topic.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
Can children or adolescents catch COVID-19?
Research indicates that children and adolescents are just as likely to become
infected as any other age group and can spread the disease.
Evidence to date suggests that children and young adults are less likely to
get severe disease, but severe cases can still happen in these age groups.
Children and adults should follow the same guidance on self-quarantine and
self-isolation if there is a risk they have been exposed or are showing
symptoms. It is particularly important that children avoid contact with older
people and others who are at risk of more severe disease.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
What should I do if I have no symptoms, but I think I have been exposed to COVID-19? What does it mean to self-quarantine?
To self-quarantine means to separate yourself from others because you have
been exposed to someone with COVID-19 even though you, yourself, do not have
symptoms.During self-quarantine you monitor yourself for symptoms. The goal of
the self-quarantine is to prevent transmission. Since people who become ill
with COVID-19 can infect people immediately self-quarantine can prevent some
infections from happening. .
In this case:

Have a large, well-ventilated single room with hand hygiene and toilet facilities
If this is not available place beds at least 1 metre apart.
Keep at least 1-metre distance from others, even from your family members.
Monitor your symptoms daily
Self-quarantine for 14 days, even if you feel healthy
If you develop difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider immediately – call them first if possible.
Stay positive and energized by keeping in touch with loved ones by phone or online, and by exercising yourself at home.

However, if you live in an area with malaria or dengue fever it is important
that you do not ignore symptoms of fever. Seek medical help. When you attend
the health facility wear a mask if possible, keep at least 1 metre distant
from other people and do not touch surfaces with your hands. If it is a child
who is sick help the child stick to this advice.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
How does COVID-19 spread?
People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease spreads
primarily from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth,
which are expelled when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
These droplets are relatively heavy, do not travel far and quickly sink to the
ground. People can catch COVID-19 if they breathe in these droplets from a
person infected with the virus. This is why it is important to stay at least 1
meter) away from others. These droplets can land on objects and surfaces
around the person such as tables, doorknobs and handrails. People can become
infected ~~~~ by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes,
nose or mouth. This is why it is important to wash your hands regularly with
soap and water or clean with alcohol-based hand rub.
WHO is assessing ongoing research on the ways that COVID-19 is spread and will
continue to share updated findings.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
Can COVID-19 be caught from a person who has no symptoms?
COVID-19 is mainly spread through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who
is coughing or has other symptoms such as fever or tiredness. Many people with
COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms. This is particularly true in the early
stages of the disease. It is possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has
just a mild cough and does not feel ill.
Some reports have indicated that people with no symptoms can transmit the
virus. It is not yet known how often it happens. WHO is assessing ongoing
research on the topic and will continue to share updated findings.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?
Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on
the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority.
Most countries around the world have seen cases of COVID-19 and many are
experiencing outbreaks. Authorities in China and some other countries have
succeeded in slowing their outbreaks. However, the situation is unpredictable
so check regularly for the latest news.
You can reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 by taking
some simple precautions:

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
Maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and others. Why? When someone coughs, sneezes, or speaks they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person has the disease.
Avoid going to crowded places. Why? Where people come together in crowds, you are more likely to come into close contact with someone that has COVID-19 and it is more difficult to maintain physical distance of 1 metre.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.
Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover. Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house, wear a mask to avoid infecting others. Why? Avoiding contact with others will protect them from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, but call by telephone in advance if possible and follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and national health authorities. Why? Local and national authorities are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
Does WHO recommend wearing medical masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19?
Currently, there is not enough evidence for or against the use of masks
(medical or other) in healthy individuals in the wider community. However, WHO
is actively studying the rapidly evolving science on masks and continuously
updates its guidance.
Medical masks are recommended primarily in health care settings, but can
be considered in other circumstances (see below). Medical masks should be
combined with other key infection prevention and control measures such as hand
hygiene and physical distancing.
Healthcare workers
Why? Medical masks and respirators such as N95, FFP2 or equivalent are
recommended for and should be reserved for, healthcare workers while giving
care to patients. Close contact with people with suspected or confirmed
COVID-19 and their surrounding environment are the main routes of
transmission, which means healthcare workers are the most exposed.
People who are sick and exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19
Why? Anyone who is sick, with mild symptoms such as muscle aches, slight
cough, sore throat or fatigue, should isolate at home and use a medical mask
according to WHO’s recommendation on home care of patients with suspected
COVID-19. Coughing, sneezing or talking can generate droplets that cause can
spread the infection. These droplets can reach the face of others nearby and
land on the surrounding environment. If an infected person coughs, sneezes, or
talks while wearing a medical mask, this can help to protect those nearby from
infection. If a sick person needs to go to a health facility they should wear
a medical mask.
Anyone taking care of a person at home who is sick with COVID-19
Why? Those caring for individuals who are sick with COVID-19 should wear a
medical mask for protection. Again, close, frequent and prolonged contact with
someone with COVID-19 puts caretakers at high risk. National decision makers
may also choose to recommend medical mask use for certain individuals using a
risk-based approach. This approach takes into consideration the purpose of the
mask, risk of exposure and vulnerability of the wearer, the setting, the
feasibility of use and the types of masks to be considered.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
What is the difference between self-isolation, self-quarantine and distancing?
Quarantine means restricting activities or separating people who are not ill
themselves but may have been exposed to COVID-19. The goal is to prevent
spread of the disease at the time when people just develop symptoms..
Isolation means separating people who are ill with symptoms of COVID-19 and
may be infectious to prevent the spread of the disease.
Physical distancing means being physically apart. WHO recommends keeping at
least 1 ~~-~~ metre distance from others. This is a general measure that
everyone should take even if they are well with no known exposure to COVID-19.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
What does it mean to self-isolate?
Self-isolation is an important measure taken by those who have COVID-19
symptoms to avoid infecting others in the community, including family members.
Self-isolation is when a person who is experiencing fever, cough or other
COVID-19 symptoms stays at home and does not go to work, school or public
places. This can be voluntarily or based on his/her health care provider’s
recommendation. However, if you live in an area with malaria or dengue fever
it is important that you do not ignore symptoms of fever. Seek medical help.
When you attend the health facility wear a mask if possible, keep at least 1
metre distant from other people and do not touch surfaces with your hands. If
it is a child who is sick help the child stick to this advice.
If you do not live in an area with malaria or dengue fever please do the
following:
- If a person is in self-isolation, it is because he/she is ill but not
severely ill (requiring medical attention)

have a large, well-ventilated with hand-hygiene and toilet facilities
If this is not possible, place beds at least 1 metre apart
Keep at least 1 metre from others, even from your family members
Monitor your symptoms daily
Isolate for 14 days, even if you feel healthy
If you develop difficulty breathing, contact your healthcare provider immediately – call them first if possible
Stay positive and energized by keeping in touch with loved ones by phone or online, and by exercising yourself at home.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
What is the connection between COVID-19 and animals?
COVID-19 is spread through human-to-human transmission.
We already know a lot about other viruses in the coronavirus family and most
of these types of viruses have an origin in animals. The COVID-19 virus (also
called SARS-CoV-2) is a new virus in humans. The possible animal source of
COVID-19 has not yet been confirmed but research is ongoing.
WHO continues to monitor the latest research on this and other COVID-19 topics
and will update, as new findings are available.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
What should I do if I have come in close contact with someone who has COVID-19?
If you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19, you may be
infected.
Close contact means that you live with or have been in settings of less than 1
metre from those who have the disease. In these cases, it is best to stay at
home.
However, if you live in an area with malaria or dengue fever it is important
that you do not ignore symptoms of fever. Seek medical help. When you attend
the health facility wear a mask if possible, keep at least 1 metre distant
from other people and do not touch surfaces with your hands. If it is a child
who is sick help the child stick to this advice.
If you do not live in an area with malaria or dengue fever please do the
following:

If you become ill, even with very mild symptoms you must self-isolate
Even if you don’t think you have been exposed to COVID-19 but develop symptoms, then self-isolate and monitor yourself
You are more likely to infect others in the early stages of the disease when you just have mild symptoms, therefore early self-isolation is very important.
If you do not have symptoms, but have been exposed to an infected person, self-quarantine for 14 days.

If you have definitely had COVID-19 (confirmed by a test) self-isolate for 14
days even after symptoms have disappeared as a precautionary measure – it is
not yet known exactly how long people remain infectious after they have
recovered. Follow national advice on self-isolation.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
What is a coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals
or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory
infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle
East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
Is there a vaccine, drug or treatment for COVID-19?
While some western, traditional or home remedies may provide comfort and
alleviate symptoms of mild COVID-19, there are no medicines that have been
shown to prevent or cure the disease. WHO does not recommend self-medication
with any medicines, including antibiotics, as a prevention or cure for
COVID-19. However, there are several ongoing clinical trials of both western
and traditional medicines. WHO is coordinating efforts to develop vaccines and
medicines to prevent and treat COVID-19 and will continue to provide updated
information as soon research results become available.
The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against COVID-19 are
to:

Clean your hands frequently and thoroughly
Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose
Cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue. If a tissue is used, discard it immediately and wash your hands.
Maintain a distance of at least 1 metre from others.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness.
Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include aches
and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea,
loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes.
These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become
infected but only have very mild symptoms.
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital
treatment. Around 1 out of every 5 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously
ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying
medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes,
or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious illness. However, anyone
can catch COVID-19 and become seriously ill. People of all ages who experience
fever and/or cough associated withdifficulty breathing/shortness of breath,
chest pain/pressure, or loss of speech or movement should seek medical
attention immediately. If possible, it is recommended to call the health care
provider or facility first, so the patient can be directed to the right
clinic.


Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19)
How to wash fruits and vegetables?
Fruits and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet. Wash them
the same way you should do under any circumstance: before handling them, wash
your hands with soap and water. Then, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly
with clean water, especially if you eat them raw.


Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
Can adolescents spread COVID-19 to other people even if they have mild or no symptoms?
Yes. Infected people in all age groups – including adolescents - can transmit
the virus to other people, even if they have mild symptoms or do not feel ill.
The virus is spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose
or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs, sneezes or
speaks. These droplets can land on objects and surfaces. People can then
become infected by touching these objects or surfaces, and then touching their
eyes, nose or mouth.


Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
In the lockdown, I am spending much more time online playing games, socialising and studying. Should I be worried about this?
COVID-19 has abruptly pushed many people’s daily lives online, and you may be
spending even more hours online than before. While online solutions provide
huge opportunities for continuing your learning, socializing and playing, you
should try to limit the amount of screen time that is not related to your
studies or physical activity. This is because you need to be physically active
to keep healthy and a positive attitude. In addition, some people are
sensitive to flickering lights and may get headaches, nausea, and dizziness,
and even seizures if they spend too much time in front of a screen. Therefore
it is important to replace some of the recreational screen time with non-
screen activities, like listening to music, reading, playing board games, and
physical activity, like going for a walk or jog. Excessive gaming can lead to
“gaming disorder” that leads to reduced sleep or day-night reversal, loss of
appetite, aggression, headaches, and attention problems. If you experience
these symptoms, seek help from your parents or a trusted adult.


Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
Some of my friends are not sticking to the rules about physical distancing. What should I do?
Explain to your friends why it is important to protect themselves and others
by washing their hands, avoiding touching their face, always coughing or
sneezing into their elbow, sleeve, or a tissue, and cooperating with physical
distancing measures and movement restrictions when called on to do so. Maybe
you can share ideas for fun virtual activities that your friends can
participate in, and you can encourage them to do them together with you or
with other friends. This way you are giving them alternatives rather than just
telling them to stay at home. But, remember that you do not have control over
other peoples’ actions so do not get into an argument or a fight to try to
change their minds.


Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
When will this pandemic end so I can go back to school and meet up with my friends?
We don’t know when the pandemic will end, but we know it depends on every
individual’s contribution in helping stop the transmission. The sacrifices you
have made by not seeing your friends and by stopping going to school and other
activities are your contributions to fighting the pandemic. By putting
societies and economies on hold, we have reduced the ability of the virus to
spread through our communities. These defensive measures have helped to limit
some of the short-term impacts of the virus, and bought us time to translate
what we have learned about the virus into solutions so that we can get back to
a more familiar way of living. It is important that you continue to practise
these measures and encourage your friends to do the same.
Read more:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-
public ****


Q&A: Adolescents, youth and COVID-19
Since my parents stopped going out to work, they have been arguing with each other much more, and in some instances, I have seen one parent harm or hurt the other either verbally or physically. I don’t feel safe at home. What should I do?
This is a difficult time. Many people – including perhaps your parents - are
worrying about security, health, and money. When people are in the cramped and
confined living conditions of lockdown, these tensions and stress can become
even greater. It is normal to have disagreements. However, if the
disagreements become verbal or physical, then it is right to take action.
If you are worried about what is happening in your home, or don’t feel safe,
talk to a trusted adult about what worries you, and seek their advice. During
an argument or a fight, try not to draw attention to yourself so that you
don’t end up getting hurt. It might be useful to have a safety plan in case
the violence escalates. This includes preparing a bag with essential items,
like clothing, documents and electric charger, and having a neighbour, friend,
relative, or shelter identified to go to should you need to leave the house
immediately for safety reasons. Arrange with the trusted adult to help you
alert the relevant authorities who can help you stay safe, including the
police, emergency health services and social services.
In many of the countries that have been most affected by COVID-19, essential
services are still available, including shelters or protection services. If
there are no trusted adults for you to share your concerns with, your country
may have helplines, including text services so that you can communicate with
someone who can help you or give you advice.
Read more:
https://www.unwomen.org/-/media/headquarters/attachments/sections/library/publications/2020/issue-
brief-covid-19-and-ending-violence-against-women-and-girls-
en.pdf?la=en&vs=5006
https://www.who.int/publications-detail/who-guidelines-for-the-health-sector-
response-to-child-maltreatment ****
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/331699/WHO-
SRH-20.04-eng.pdf