Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
Do schools which remain open have to accept temporary attendees?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
We encourage schools which remain open for their own registered pupils who are
vulnerable or the children of critical workers to support the country’s
response to the coronavirus outbreak by also providing temporary education and
care for children whose own schools are closed.
We have used legal powers to modify the definition of ‘pupil’ in law for such
children in relation to registration requirements. This means there is no
expectation that they will remain permanently at any school they attend
temporarily because of measures taken in response to coronavirus.
Schools should not apply their admission arrangements in temporarily offering
places to such children and they should not register them as pupils. These
children should return to their normal school as soon as it reopens.


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
If education and care for vulnerable children, and the children of critical workers is being provided by a school or setting that is not the child’s normal school or setting, where should they be registered?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
Where another school provides education and care for vulnerable children and
the children of critical workers whilst their normal school is temporarily
closed because of coronavirus,these children should not be registered as
pupils. We have used powers to temporarily relax the requirement to register
them. These children should return to their
normal school once it reopens.
Children that temporarily attend another school are still considered as pupils
at the host school for all other purposes other than registration. Host
schools do not have to apply their normal admission policies in order to
educate and care for these children, on a temporary basis, alongside their
registered pupils.
However, they will still need to fulfil their safeguarding, medical, special
educational needs (SEN), and other duties in relation to these children.
Schools will not be able to charge for the education of these children and
will be able to apply their normal behaviour policy.


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Prioritising pupils
Is it necessary to prioritise children?
The first aim of the partial school closure measures was to reduce the overall
population of children moving around local areas, in order to further reduce
the number of social interactions, and thus flatten the upward curve of the
coronavirus outbreak.
However, the second aim was to continue to care for children whose parents are
critical to the coronavirus response, so that they can continue to work where
alternative childcare arrangements cannot be made, and for children who are
vulnerable.
Now that we have made progress in reducing the transmission of coronavirus we
are encouraging all eligible children to attend – it is no longer necessary
for parents of eligible children to keep them at home if they can. These
priority groups remain eligible to attend as schools open to more students.
In the first phases of wider opening, we will prioritise younger children, for
several reasons. Firstly, because there is moderately high scientific
confidence in evidence suggesting younger children are less likely to become
unwell if infected with coronavirus; and secondly because evidence shows the
particularly detrimental impact which time spent out of education can have
upon them.
The three year groups within mainstream primary have been prioritised because
they are key transition years – children in Reception and year 1 are at the
very beginning of their school career and are mastering the essential basics,
including counting and the fundamentals of reading and writing, and learning
to socialise with their peers. We know that attending early education lays the
foundation for lifelong learning and supports children’s social and emotional
development. Year 6 children are finishing Key Stage 2 and are preparing for
the transition to secondary school, and will benefit immensely from time with
their friends and teachers to ensure they are ready.
From 1 June, as more children return to schools, we appreciate that each
setting’s circumstances will be slightly different. Any setting that cannot
achieve the small groups recommended as part of the protective measures
guidance should discuss options with their local authority or
trust. If necessary, settings have the flexibility to focus first on
continuing to provide places for priority groups and then, to support
children’s early learning, settings should prioritise groups of children as
follows:

early years settings - 3 and 4 year olds followed by younger age groups
infant schools - nursery (where applicable) and Reception
primary schools - nursery (where applicable), Reception and year 1


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
What is expected of schools in terms of opening hours?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
We expect schools to operate for their normal hours. Where possible, we would
encourage breakfast club and after school provision, to help support the
children of workers critical to the coronavirus response.


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Prioritising pupils
Is it compulsory for critical workers to send their children to school?
We strongly encourage children and young people in priority groups (such as
children of critical workers) to attend, unless they are self-isolating or
there are other reasons for absence (such as shielding due to health
conditions).


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
If children are attending an alternative setting, will transport be provided?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
Home to school transport provided or organised by schools, trusts or local
authorities varies widely. Schools, trusts and local authorities should work
together and with relevant transport providers to put in place arrangements
which fit the local circumstances, including the measures being put in place
to reduce contact.


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Prioritising pupils
What are our expectations regarding vulnerable children and young people attending educational settings?
Vulnerable children and young people’s attendance is expected, where it is
appropriate for them (i.e. where there are no shielding concerns for the child
or their household, and/or following a risk assessment for children with an
EHC plan), so that they can gain the educational and wellbeing benefits of
attending. Vulnerable children and young people – regardless of year group –
that have not been attending in the recent period are expected to return to
school where this would now be appropriate for them to do so. A brief summary
of attendance expectations across the different groups of vulnerable children
and young people is as follows:

for vulnerable children and young people who have a social worker, attendance is expected unless the child/household is shielding or clinically vulnerable (see the advice set out by Public Health England on households with possible coronavirus infection, and shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable).
for vulnerable children and young people who have an education health and care (EHC) plan, attendance is expected where it is determined, following risk assessment, that their needs can be as safely or more safely met in the educational environment. Read further guidance on temporary Changes to education, health and care (EHC) needs and assessments
for vulnerable children and young people who are deemed otherwise vulnerable, at the school, college or local authority discretion, attendance is expected unless the child/household is shielding or clinically vulnerable (see the advice set out by Public Health England on households with possible coronavirus infection, and shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable).

*[EHC]: Education, Health and Care


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
Can provision be shared across local authority areas?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
If a school is unable to open, local authorities should try to co-ordinate
provision for pupils in other schools in their area. If this is not possible,
local authorities should consider working with neighboring local authorities,
while keeping in mind the impact on children. Regional school commissioners
(RSCs) can support conversations between local authorities where necessary.
Some multi-academy trusts operate across different local authorities, and can
assist in making arrangements between their schools if appropriate.
*[RSCs]: regional schools commissioners


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Responsibilities
What are local authorities responsible for?
Local authorities are responsible for co-ordinating a response to the
coronavirus arrangements. Working with education settings (including academies
and the independent sector), they should use the critical worker
list, and the definition
of vulnerable
children, to support schools
and trusts to ensure that there is sufficiency for these priority groups, and
for those groups eligible for return to settings from 1 June.
Local authorities are also responsible for monitoring demand and capacity.
This may involve working with schools to provide places in alternative
settings if necessary, and supporting residential special schools, alternative
provision, and other special settings to remain open, wherever possible.
They are also responsible for supporting trusts and schools to assess the
risks for children and young people whose education, health and care (EHC)
plans they maintain, and ensuring those children are safely cared for whether
at school/college or at home.
*[EHC]: Education, Health and Care


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
Will it be mandatory for all schools, colleges and early years settings to remain open in some form?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
We are asking all schools and early years settings to remain open for children
of critical workers and vulnerable children.
We acknowledge that some schools and early years settings may be unable to do
so, and will support them to work with local authorities, regional school
commissioners, and neighbouring schools and settings, to continue to support
these children.


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
What else needs to happen if a child is attending a different setting than usual?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
Important information should be provided on day one, including emergency
contact details, dietary requirements and medical needs to safeguard the
health, safety and welfare of children.


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
Are schools opening on the May bank holiday?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
Schools should decide, in consultation with the parents of children who are
currently attending school, whether it is necessary for them to continue to
look after critical workers’ children and vulnerable children over the May
bank holiday.


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Prioritising pupils
How are vulnerable children defined?
During the coronavirus outbreak vulnerable children and young people are
defined as those who:

are assessed as being in need under section 17 of the Children Act 1989, including children who have a child in need plan, a child protection plan or who are a looked-after child
have an education, health and care (EHC) plan and it is determined, following a risk assessment, that their needs can be met as safely or more safely in the educational environment; or
have been assessed as otherwise vulnerable by education providers or local authorities (including children’s social care services), and who are therefore in need of continued education provision - this might include children and young people on the edge of receiving support from children’s social care services, adopted children, those at risk of becoming NEET (‘not in employment, education or training’), those living in temporary accommodation, those who are young carers, and others at the provider and local authority discretion

Read the guidance on how schools should continue to support vulnerable
children.
*[EHC]: Education, Health and Care


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Responsibilities
What are schools responsible for?
Between 23 March and 1 June, educational and childcare settings are
responsible for providing places only to priority children (vulnerable
children, and children of critical workers.
While as many schools as possible should try to stay open for priority pupils
at this time, this will not be possible for all settings, and the local
authority should oversee arrangements so that pupils are able to access
provision elsewhere.
We are also asking that schools prepare for wider opening on the assumption
that eligible year groups can return to schools from 1 June.
From the week commencing 1 June at the earliest, we are asking that schools
welcome back eligible year groups as part of the wider opening of educational
settings, alongside priority groups.
Maintained, academy and independent schools should work with local authorities
to ensure provision is available for priority and eligible groups.


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
Are schools opening during May half term?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
We trust schools to make arrangements that work for their school community, in
consultation with parents and carers of vulnerable children and those who are
critical workers


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Preparing for the wider opening of education settings from 1 June
What public health advice should schools follow?
Keeping children and staff safe is our utmost priority. DfE’s guidance on
implementing protective measures in education and
childcare settings contains detailed advice for settings on:

cleaning, including supplies of cleaning and handwashing products
testing and tracing
PPE (personal protective equipment)
what settings should do in response to a case of coronavirus being confirmed

Schools should refer to this guidance and continue to follow the advice from
Public Health England. These measures, along with handwashing,
cleaning, and self-isolation, will lower the risk of transmission.
Alongside good hygiene and cleaning, one of the main protective measures we
can take to reduce transmission is to have small group and class sizes. By
returning pupils gradually settings can initially reduce the number of
children and young people in classrooms compared to usual and put protective
measures in place to reduce risks.
Children will need to stay within their new class/group wherever possible and
we will ask settings to implement a range of protective measures including
increased cleaning, reducing ‘pinch points’ (such as at the start and end of
day), and utilising outdoor space.
Settings should also consider ways to minimise use of public transport to get
to and from school at peak times, in consultation with local authorities.
Further guidance on safer travel for passengers, including children, can be
found at Safer travel guidance for
passengers.
Staff and pupils in all settings will be eligible for testing if they become
ill with coronavirus symptoms, as will members of their households. A negative
test will enable children to get back to childcare or education, and their
parents to get back to work. A positive test will ensure rapid action to
protect their classmates and staff in their setting.
Those who are clinically vulnerable, or are living with someone who is, should
follow our protective measures
guidance.
*[DfE]: Department for Education


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Preparing for the wider opening of education settings from 1 June
Which pupils can attend school?
From the week commencing 1 June at the earliest, we will be asking primary
schools to welcome back children in nursery, Reception, year 1 and year 6,
alongside priority groups. We will ask secondary schools, sixth form and
further education colleges to offer some face-to-face support for year 10 and
year 12 students (and equivalents) who are due to take key exams next year,
alongside the full time provision they are offering to priority groups.
Alternative provision settings should mirror the approach being taken for
mainstream schools and also offer some face-to-face support for years 10 and
11 students (as they have no year 12). Special schools, special post-16
institutions and hospital schools will work towards a phased return of more
children and young people without a focus on specific year groups.
The following principles will apply to this phase of wider opening by schools:

children and young people in eligible year groups are strongly encouraged to attend (where there are no shielding concerns for the child or their household), so that they can gain the educational and wellbeing benefits of attending
vulnerable children of all year groups continue to be expected to attend educational provision where it is appropriate for them to do so (for children with education health and care (EHC) plans this will be informed by a risk assessment approach)

children, young people and staff who have been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable due to pre-existing medical conditions have been advised to shield. We do not expect people in this category to be attending school or college, and they should continue to be supported to learn or work at home as much as possible. Clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) people are those considered to be at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus. Few if any children will fall into this category, but parents should follow medical advice if their child is in this category. Staff in this category should work from home where possible, and refer to the detail in our protective measures guidance

a child/young person or a member of staff who lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable), including those who are pregnant, can attend their education or childcare setting

if a child/young person or staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable, as set out in the guidance on shielding, it is advised they only attend an education or childcare setting if stringent social distancing can be adhered to and, in the case of children, if they are able to understand and follow those instructions. This may not be possible for very young children and older children without the capacity to adhere to the instructions on social distancing. If stringent social distancing cannot be adhered to, we do not expect those individuals to attend. They should be supported to learn or work at home
staff and children or young people should not attend if they have symptoms or are self-isolating due to symptoms in their household
protective measures will be put in place for staff and pupils, as far as is possible, to ensure that the risk of transmission is reduced

*[EHC]: Education, Health and Care


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Prioritising pupils
How are critical workers defined?
Children with a parent or carer who is listed as a critical
worker are eligible for a
school place.
We will monitor closely the experience of schools in identifying critical
workers and their capacity to respond to the needs of critical workers.
Government is working with representatives of school leaders to ensure they
have the clarity they need in identifying critical workers. We will publish
updates to guidance should it prove necessary to provide further points of
clarification over the identification of critical workers.
We can confirm that:

researchers are included if their work is critical to the coronavirus response
pharmacists are included in the list of health and social care staff that are essential to the coronavirus response
staff who work for the embassies of other countries, and who are essential to the coronavirus response, are included in the definition of local and national government
parliamentarians and essential parliamentary staff are also included in this list


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
Can schools flex on legal requirements in order to deliver this service?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
The Coronavirus Act 2020 allows for the temporary disapplication or
modification of some requirements on schools, including within the early
years foundation stage, to enable them to focus on this core new
ask. Schools should focus on safeguarding
duties as a priority. Where schools and trusts
have concerns about the impact of staff absence – such as their designated
safeguarding lead or first aiders – they should discuss immediately with the
local authority or trust.


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
What arrangements should schools and local authorities maintain throughout the remainder of May?
Are schools expected to share resources?
We are asking schools to remain open for children of critical workers and
vulnerable children where they can, but we understand that some may be unable
to do so especially if they are experiencing severe staff shortages.
Local authorities should therefore work with maintained, academy and
independent schools to identify temporary places for any children affected
whilst their normal schools are closed.
If some schools are experiencing high demand for places, or severe staff
shortages, local authorities will co-ordinate support from other schools in
the area. Schools are expected to be flexible and work together where
required.


Guidance Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak
Preparing for the wider opening of education settings from 1 June
How will schools be supported in preparing for wider opening?
Schools, and all childcare providers, have been serving a vital role by
continuing to provide care for a limited number of children - children who are
vulnerable, and children whose parents are critical to the coronavirus
response.
We have worked closely with the sector, and will continue to do so over the
coming weeks to support the wider opening of schools, colleges and childcare
settings. We have published guidance on actions for education and childcare
settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June
2020, which sets out the overarching aims and principles of this
next phase, including information about protective measures which will be in
place. We will work with the profession to produce more detailed guidance
ahead of 1 June 2020.
All schools are different, and it is not possible for government to set
specific national guidelines that could be universally applicable. Instead, we
have created an initial planning
framework to help school leaders and trusts to start to think
through the steps they might need to take to enable them to open their schools
for more pupils. This framework can be seen as a starting point from which
schools and trusts may choose to develop their own plans, providing
operational guidance to support school and trust leaders in agreeing the best
approaches for their circumstances.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Are iGCSEs and the International Baccalaureate also cancelled?
Yes. Summer exams for both international GCSEs and the International
Baccalaureate have been cancelled in all countries this year. The awarding
organisations that provide international GCSEs have published information
about the arrangements they are putting in place for this year1 which reflect
those being made for qualifications covered by Ofqual’s consultation
decisions.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Does this mean that every exam in every module in every subject has been cancelled, or will a limited number go ahead at GCSE and/or A level?
Exam boards will not be issuing papers for this summer’s GCSE, AS and A levels
so there will not be the opportunity to sit them in any subject.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
What will happen to those who have already done some non-exam assessment?
Students who were due to sit A level, AS level or GCSE exams this summer will
receive a calculated grade. The calculated grade process will take into
account a range of evidence including, for example, non-exam assessment and
mock results. To make sure that grades are fair between schools and colleges,
exam boards will put all centre assessment grades through a process of
standardisation using a model developed with Ofqual, the independent
qualifications regulator. There’s separate guidance from Ofqual on awarding
GCSE, AS and A levels which includes the implications for non-exam
assessment.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Will the past performance of the school be taken into account when devising the calculated grade?
Ofqual’s guidance says that one of the sources of evidence schools and
colleges should draw on is the performance of this year’s students compared to
those in previous years. However, this is only one of the sources of evidence
that will be taken into account. Ofqual’s consultation, which ran from 15 to
29 April, included proposals for how the standardisation process at national
level should take the past performance of schools and colleges into account.
Responses have been reviewed and decisions from this
consultation were published on 22
May.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
How will colleges, sixth-forms and universities cope with the fact that these students will have missed out on some of their education?
These are extraordinary circumstances. We are working with schools, sixth-
forms, colleges and universities to ensure that we do everything we can to
best help students prepare for and progress to the next stage of their
education.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
How will you ensure that certain groups of students (for example those from disadvantaged backgrounds) do not lose out because of bias in teachers’ assessments?
Ofqual is developing a fair and robust process that takes into account a broad
range of evidence, including assessments by schools and colleges of the grades
that students would have been likely to obtain if exams went ahead and their
prior attainment. Ofqual’s overriding aim is to make sure arrangements this
summer are as fair as possible for all students.
Ofqual ran a
consultation from 15 to 29 April
seeking views on aspects of their proposed assessment arrangements for GCSEs,
AS and A levels, including an equality impact assessment informed by a review
of the research literature on bias in teacher assessments.
Ofqual has taken feedback to its consultation, and the findings from its
literature review and equalities impact assessment, into account in finalising
the arrangements for these qualifications this summer. Decisions from this
consultation were published on 22
May. Ofqual has also published additional guidance for schools and colleges on
objectivity in grading and ranking.
Pupils who do not feel their calculated grade reflects their ability will have
the opportunity to sit an exam as soon as is reasonably possible in the
autumn.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
What about vocational and technical qualifications?
We recognise that many students will be taking vocational or technical
qualifications (VTQs) and our priority is to ensure that students and adult
learners taking these qualifications can move on as planned to the next stage
of their lives, including starting university, college or sixth form courses,
apprenticeships in the autumn, getting a job or progressing in work.
We know one approach to assessment of vocational and technical qualifications
will not fit all, given the diversity of the VTQ landscape.
Ofqual published the response to its consultation on VTQs and its framework
for awarding results this summer on 22 May. The measures set out that
qualifications used for progression to further or higher education, such as
some BTECs, should wherever possible be issued with a calculated result, in
line with the approach proposed for GCSEs, AS and A levels. For other
vocational qualifications, such as those that are used for entry into
employment where demonstration of practical competence is necessary, it won’t
be appropriate to calculate a result. For these, Ofqual will work with the
awarding organisation to determine whether the assessment can be adapted. Only
as a last result should assessment be delayed.
VTQ students will have access to a right of appeal if they believe any part of
the assessment process was not followed correctly. Students who do not feel
their result reflects their ability will be able to sit an assessment at the
next available opportunity. Most vocational and technical qualifications have
a number of assessment windows during the year. Ofqual will require that where
awarding organisations normally offer an autumn assessment opportunity, they
must take all reasonable steps to continue to do so. Where they do not
normally offer an autumn assessment opportunity, they should do so where there
are enough learners who need to take an assessment or where it would be unfair
not to.
[VTQs]: vocational or technical qualifications
  [VTQ]: vocational or technical qualification


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
What will young people with university offers do?
The grades awarded this summer will be formal grades, with the same status as
grades awarded in any other year. There is no reason for the usual admissions
cycle to be disrupted.
University representatives have already confirmed that they expect
universities to do all they can to support students and ensure they can
progress to higher education.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Can schools and colleges take incomplete coursework into account?
Ofqual’s guidance on awarding GCSE, AS and A
levels makes it clear that schools and colleges do not need to
ask students to complete any unfinished non-exam assessment work for the
purposes of grading. Where they do choose to take into account coursework
completed after 20 March, Ofqual is advising head teachers and principals to
exercise caution where that evidence suggests a change in performance. In many
cases this is likely to reflect the circumstances and context in which the
work is done.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
If students already have an unconditional offer, does that remain?
Yes. An unconditional offer means you have already met the entry requirements,
so the place is the student’s if they want it.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
What if students are unhappy with their calculated grade?
Ofqual and the exam boards are working to ensure that candidates are awarded a
fair grade that recognises the work they have put in. If an A level, AS level
or GCSE student does not believe the correct process has been followed in
their case, they will have access to a right of appeal on that basis. Ofqual
has consulted on the arrangements for these
appeals and announced its
decisions on 22 May. In addition,
if a student does not feel their grade reflects their performance, they will
have the opportunity to take an exam in the autumn. Ofqual launched a
consultation on 22 May on the details of the autumn series of
exams.
DfE has also published guidance on centre
responsibility for autumn GCSE, AS and A level exam
series.
Students will also have the option to take their exams in summer 2021, in line
with usual practice.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Will A level students get the predicted grades that were used for university applications?
No. We know that simply using predicted grades would not be fair to all
students. The ‘centre assessment grade’, which the exam boards will ask
schools and colleges to submit for A and AS levels and GCSEs, will take into
account an assessment of the likely grade that students would have obtained
had exams gone ahead, and these will be standardised across schools and
colleges. For this reason, students’ final calculated grades will not
necessarily be the same as either the predicted grades used for university
applications, or the centre assessment grade put forward by their school or
college.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
When will students get their results?
A and AS level results will be published on 13 August and GCSE results on 20
August, as originally planned. This will enable progression to higher and
further education to take place in the normal way. It will also allow students
time to decide whether they wish to sit exams in the autumn, and to prepare
for those exams if necessary.
Results days for other qualifications are set by individual exam boards.
Results for vocational and technical qualifications used for progression to
further or higher education will be available on the same days as A level and
GCSE results. Students who are taking such qualifications should check the
planned results day with their school or college.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Will universities, colleges and sixth forms accept these grades?
The calculated grades awarded this summer will be formal grades, with the same
status as grades awarded in any other year. They will therefore be accepted by
all institutions.
University representatives have already confirmed that they expect
universities to do all they can to support students and ensure they can
progress to higher education.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Can private centres run GCSEs, AS levels or A levels if they choose to do so?
No. Exam boards will not be issuing papers for this summer’s GCSE, AS and A
levels so there will not be the opportunity to sit them at any centre.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
What about private candidates or home educated students?
Where schools and colleges have accepted entries from external candidates
(students who they have not taught themselves, because they have been home-
educated, following distance-learning programmes or studying independently),
those students should be taken account of in the process of producing centre
assessment grades, where the head teacher or principal is confident that they
and their staff have seen sufficient evidence of the student’s achievement to
make an objective judgement.
Ofqual and the exam boards have been exploring the options for those students
who do not have an existing relationship with an exams centre and who need
results this summer for progression purposes. The Joint Council for
Qualifications has published some guidance for exam centres on accepting
private candidates which sets out
the options that will be available. Unfortunately, not all external candidates
will be able to be awarded a calculated grade this summer because some will
not be in a position to provide sufficient evidence to enable their exam
centre to include them in their centre assessment grades and rankings.
Students in this position will need to sit exams to get their grades, either
in the autumn or in summer 2021.
Ofqual has asked organisations that represent higher and further education
providers to consider the steps that providers could take when making
admissions decisions this summer for any private candidates who do not receive
a grade. They have said that they believe that institutions will consider a
range of other evidence and information for these students to allow them to
progress wherever possible.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Do universities need to start making unconditional offers / should students accept an unconditional offer now that exams are cancelled?
Universities should not begin making new unconditional offers and applicants
should feel no pressure to accept such offers, as they will be awarded a
formal calculated grade for each exam they would have taken.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
If students take the exam option, will they still be able to go to university this year?
Students who do not feel their calculated grade reflects their performance
will have the opportunity to sit an exam as soon as is reasonably possible
after the beginning of the new academic year.
Our aim is for results to be awarded before Christmas, and Ofqual is working
with exam boards to work out how this could be delivered. Universities
representatives have assured us that universities will be as flexible as
possible in their admissions.
Any student wanting to understand the implications on university admission of
taking these autumn exams should speak to the university from which they have
an offer after receiving their calculated grade in the summer.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Will students be required to do further work to contribute towards their grade?
Ofqual’s guidance on awarding GCSE, AS and A
levels makes clear that there is no requirement for schools and
colleges to set additional mock exams or homework tasks for the purposes of
determining a centre assessment grade, and no student should be disadvantaged
if they are unable to complete any work set after schools and colleges were
closed. Where additional work has been completed after schools and colleges
were closed on 20 March, Ofqual is advising head teachers and principals to
exercise caution where that evidence suggests a change in performance. In many
cases this is likely to reflect the circumstances and context in which the
work is done.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): cancellation of GCSEs, AS and A levels in 2020
Did exams and assessments need to be cancelled?
From Friday 20 March, all educational settings were closed to everyone except
the children of critical workers and vulnerable children.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is expected to continue having a
significant impact on the education system, and the country, for months to
come. Therefore, exams and assessments have been cancelled to give pupils,
parents, and teachers certainty, and enable schools and colleges to focus on
supporting vulnerable children and the children of critical workers.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings
Additional questions
What happens if there is a confirmed case of coronavirus in a setting?
When a child, young person or staff member develops symptoms compatible with
coronavirus, they should be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 7 days.
Their fellow household members should self-isolate for 14 days. All staff and
students who are attending an education or childcare setting will have access
to a test if they display symptoms of coronavirus, and are encouraged to get
tested in this scenario.
Where the child, young person or staff member tests negative, they can return
to their setting and the fellow household members can end their self-
isolation.
Where the child, young person or staff member tests positive, the rest of
their class or group within their childcare or education setting should be
sent home and advised to self-isolate for 14 days. The other household members
of that wider class or group do not need to self-isolate unless the child,
young person or staff member they live with in that group subsequently
develops symptoms.
As part of the national test and trace programme, if other cases are detected
within the cohort or in the wider setting, Public Health England’s local
health protection teams will conduct a rapid investigation and will advise
schools and other settings on the most appropriate action to take. In some
cases a larger number of other children, young people may be asked to self-
isolate at home as a precautionary measure – perhaps the whole class, site or
year group. Where settings are observing guidance on infection prevention and
control, which will reduce risk of transmission, closure of the whole setting
will not generally be necessary.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings
Additional questions
Should educational settings ask parents to report pupils’ temperatures at the start of each day?
Parents, carers and settings do not need to take children’s temperatures every
morning. Routine testing of an individual’s temperature is not a reliable
method for identifying coronavirus. Educational and childcare settings should
reiterate to parents the need to follow the standard national advice on the
kind of symptoms to look out for that might be due to coronavirus, and where
to get further advice.If anyone in the household develops a fever, or a new
continuous cough, or a loss of, or change in, their normal sense of taste or
smell (anosmia), they are advised to follow the COVID-19: guidance for
households with possible coronavirus infection
guidance (which states that the ill person should remain in isolation for 7
days and the rest of the household in isolation for 14 days).


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings
Additional questions
What does implementing protective measures look like in alternative provision (AP)?
AP settings should follow the same principles and guidance as mainstream
schools. As much as possible, protective measures should be adhered to and
class or group sizes should be small. Staff should use simple language to
explain safety measures, and reiterate and reinforce key messages. Safe
routines for access to toilets, hand-cleaning and break and lunch times should
be put in place. Teaching resources can be used to aid understanding.
Settings may need to carry out a risk assessment, if it is deemed that a child
or young person may not be able to follow instructions, to determine what
mitigations need to be put in place and whether, in rare circumstances, they
should stay at home. For those children and young people with a social worker,
our expectation is that they should attend their educational setting unless a
risk assessment concludes they will be safer at home.
*[AP]: alternative provision


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings
Additional questions
What happens if someone becomes unwell at an educational or childcare setting?
If anyone in an education or childcare 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 (anosmia), they must be sent home and advised
to follow the COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus
infection guidance.
If a child is awaiting collection, they should be moved, if possible, to a
room where they can be isolated behind a closed door, depending on the age of
the child and with appropriate adult supervision if required. 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 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 (and in which case, a test is
available) or the child subsequently tests positive (see ‘What happens if
there is a confirmed case of coronavirus in a setting?’ below). 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. See the COVID-19: cleaning of non-healthcare settings
guidance.
*[PPE]: personal protective equipment


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings
Additional questions
Will children and young people be eligible for testing?
When settings open to the wider cohort of children and young people, all those
children and young people eligible to attend, and members of their households,
will have access to testing if they display symptoms of coronavirus. This will
enable them to get back into childcare or education, and their parents or
carers to get back to work, if the test proves to be negative. Parents will
have a number of routes to access testing for them and their children. Visit
the guidance on coronavirus testing and how to arrange to have a
test.


Guidance Coronavirus (COVID-19): implementing protective measures in education and childcare settings
Additional questions
Will contact tracing be in place in educational and childcare settings?
The government is developing a new national test and trace programme. This
will bring together an app, expanded web and phone-based contact tracing, and
swab testing for those with potential coronavirus symptoms. This programme
will play an important role in helping to minimise the spread of coronavirus
in the future. It will also include more traditional methods of contact
tracing if a child, young person or parent tests positive. This could include,
for example, direct discussion with parents and schools or colleges on recent
contacts. The government is recruiting 18,000 contact tracers to support
contact tracing and will recruit more if needed. They will play an important
part in tracing the contacts of those with coronavirus, including children.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public Transport
Can I use public transport to get to green spaces?
You should avoid using public transport wherever possible.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public spaces / outdoor activities / exercise
I don’t have to stay at home anymore?
You should stay at home as much as possible. The reasons you may leave home
include:

for work, where you cannot work from home
going to shops that are permitted to be open - to get things like food and medicine
to exercise or spend time outdoors
any medical need, including to donate blood, avoid injury or illness, escape risk of harm, or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person

These reasons are exceptions and a fuller list is set out in the
regulations. Even when doing
these activities, you should be minimising time spent away from the home and
ensuring that you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public spaces / outdoor activities / exercise
Are day trips and holidays ok? Can people stay in second homes?
Day trips to outdoor open space, in a private vehicle, are permitted. You
should practise social distancing from other people outside your household.
Leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home for a holiday
or other purpose is not allowed. This includes visiting second homes.
Premises such as hotels and bed and breakfasts will remain closed, except
where providing accommodation for specific reasons set out in law, such as for
critical workers where required for a reason relating to their work.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public spaces / outdoor activities / exercise
On what date can I expand my household group?
The government has asked the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE)
to advise on the concept of “bubbles”, which would mean allowing people to
expand their household group to include one other household. For the time
being, you cannot visit friends or family, except to spend time outdoors with
up to one person from a different household.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Borders / international visitors
Are you isolating people at the border now?
Please note - these measures are NOT yet in force. We will set out further
detail, including from when these will be in force, in due course.
The scientific advice shows that when domestic transmission is high, cases
from abroad represent a small amount of the overall total and make no
significant difference to the epidemic. Now that domestic transmission within
the UK is coming under control, and other countries begin to lift lockdown
measures, it is the right time to prepare new measures at the border.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Going to work / Safer spaces
Do people need to wear face coverings at work?
Face coverings are not compulsory. However, if you can, people are advised to
wear face coverings in enclosed public spaces where social distancing is not
possible or where you are more likely to come into contact with people you do
not normally meet. For example, on public transport or in some shops. Face
coverings can help us protect each other and reduce the spread of the disease
if you are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms. You should be
prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by police officers and
staff for the purposes of identification.
A face covering is not the same as the surgical masks or respirators used as
part of personal protective equipment by healthcare and other workers; these
should continue to be reserved for those who need them to protect against
risks in their workplace such as health and care workers and those in
industrial settings like those exposed to dust hazards.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Workers’ rights
My employer is asking me to come to work but I’m scared.
Employers and staff should discuss and agree working arrangements.
Employers should make all efforts to help people to work from home where they
can. But where work cannot be done at home, employers should take clear,
practical steps to help protect workers and create safe places to work, such
as shift working or staggering processes. To identify the precautions needed
to manage risk, your employer should discuss the workplace risk assessment
with you to identify the practical ways of managing those risks.
If you remain concerned that your employer is not taking all practical steps
to promote social distancing then you can report this to your local authority
or the Health and Safety Executive who can take a range of action, including
where appropriate requiring your employer to take additional steps.
We have published further specific “COVID-19 Secure”
guidelines on how to make workplaces safe, which have been developed in
consultation with over 200 business leaders and trades union organisations.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public spaces / outdoor activities / exercise
Can weddings go ahead?
There’s no change at this time, but we have set out our intention to enable
small wedding ceremonies from 1 June. We understand the frustration couples
planning a wedding must be feeling at this time. As with all the necessary
coronavirus restrictions on register offices, places of worship and other
venues, we will look to ease them as soon as it is safe to do so. We will work
closely with faith leaders and local government over the coming weeks to go
through the practicalities.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Vulnerable groups, shielding, 70 year olds and over, and care homes
How long will shielding be in place?
We’ve advised individuals with very specific medical conditions to shield
until the end of June and to do everything they can to stay at home. This is
because we believe they are likely to be at the greatest risk of serious
complications from coronavirus.
We know this is challenging guidance to follow, which is why we have a support
scheme in place to provide help with access to food and basic supplies, care,
medicines and social support.
We are keeping the guidance to shielded
people under review.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public spaces / outdoor activities / exercise
Can I meet my friends and family in the park?
You can meet one other person from outside your household if you are outdoors.
Public gatherings of more than 2 people from different households are
prohibited in law. There are no limits on gatherings in the park with members
of your household.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Going to work / Safer spaces
Who is allowed to go to work?
In the first instance, employers should make every effort to support working
from home, including by providing suitable IT and equipment as they have been
already. This will apply to many different types of businesses, particularly
those who typically would have worked in offices or online.
Where work can only be done in the workplace, we have set out tailored
guidelines for employers to help protect their workforce and customers from
coronavirus while still continuing to trade or getting their business back up
and running. We have published detailed COVID-19 secure
guidelines, which has been developed in consultation with businesses and trades
unions.
These ‘back to work’ guidelines apply to those in essential retail like:

supermarkets
those in construction and manufacturing
those working in labs and research facilities
those administering takeaways and deliveries at restaurants and cafes
tradesmen, cleaners and others who work in people’s homes
those who are facilitating trade or transport goods
and so on

Non-essential retail, restaurants, pubs, bars, gyms and leisure centres will
remain closed. They will reopen in a phased manner provided it is safe to do
so.
There are specific guidelines for those who are vulnerable, shielding, or
showing symptoms.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Vulnerable groups, shielding, 70 year olds and over, and care homes
Does easing restrictions apply to healthy 70 year olds and over?
The advice for those aged 70 and over continues to be that they should take
particular care to minimise contact with others outside their household.
If they do go out more frequently, they should be careful to maintain distance
from others. They and everyone should continue to comply with any general
social distancing restrictions.
We know that those aged 70 and over can be absolutely fit and healthy and it’s
not the case that everybody over 70 has a chronic health condition or an
underlying disease.
But unfortunately, we also know that as you get older, there is a higher risk
of coronavirus having a more serious impact with infection. Complications and
deaths are more common in the elderly, even those without pre-existing
conditions.
Anyone who has been advised to shield by the NHS or their GP, including those
70 and over, should continue to do this until at least the end of June.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public spaces / outdoor activities / exercise
Can students return to their family home if they’ve been in halls all this time?
In general, leaving your home - the place you live - to stay at another home
is not allowed.
If a student is moving permanently to live back at their family home, this is
permitted.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public spaces / outdoor activities / exercise
What can I do that I couldn’t do before?
There are a limited number of things you can now do that you could not do
before:

spend time outdoors – for example sitting and enjoying the fresh air, picnicking, or sunbathing
meet one other person from a different household outdoors - following social distancing guidelines
exercise outdoors as often as you wish - following social distancing guidelines
use outdoor sports courts or facilities, such as a tennis or basketball court, or golf course – with members of your household, or one other person while staying 2 metres apart
go to a garden centre

At all times, you should continue to observe social distancing guidelines when
you are outside your home, including ensuring you are 2 metres away from
anyone outside your household. As with before, you cannot:

visit friends and family in their homes
exercise in an indoor sports court, gym or leisure centre, or go swimming in a public pool
use an outdoor gym or playground
visit a private or ticketed attraction
gather in a group of more than two (excluding members of your own household), except for a few specific exceptions set out in law (for work, funerals, house moves, supporting the vulnerable, in emergencies and to fulfil legal obligations)

If you are showing coronavirus symptoms, or if you or any of your household
are self-isolating, you should stay at home - this is critical to staying safe
and saving lives.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public Transport
Should people wear face coverings on public transport?
If you can, wear a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing
isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not
normally meet. This is most relevant for short periods indoors in crowded
areas, for example on public transport or in some shops. The evidence suggests
that face coverings can help us protect each other and reduce the spread of
the disease if you are suffering from coronavirus, but not showing symptoms.
You should be prepared to remove your face covering if asked to do so by
police officers and staff for the purposes of identification.
If people choose to wear them, we are asking people to make their own face
coverings at home, using scarves or other textile items. We are publishing
guidance to help illustrate the
process.
We urge the public not to purchase medical or surgical masks as these should
be reserved for health and social care workers.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public spaces / outdoor activities / exercise
Are you reopening tennis courts / golf courses / basketball courts etc?
Yes. Sports courts can re-open, but you should only partake in such activities
alone, with members of your household, or with one other person from outside
your household, while practising social distancing. You should take particular
care if you need to use any indoor facilities next to these outdoor courts,
such as toilets.
You should not use these facilities if you are showing coronavirus symptoms,
or if you or any of your household are self-isolating.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Borders / international visitors
Is this for foreign travellers only or British people returning home from holiday or living overseas?
Please note - these measures are NOT yet in force. We will set out further
detail, including from when these will be in force, in due course.
All arrivals including British nationals will be required to provide their
contact information and self-isolate upon arrival, other than those on a short
list of exemptions.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public spaces / outdoor activities / exercise
Are there restrictions on how far I can travel for my exercise or outdoor activity?
No. You can travel to outdoor open space irrespective of distance. You
shouldn’t travel with someone from outside your household unless you can
practise social distancing - for example by cycling. Leaving your home - the
place you live - to stay at another home is not allowed.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Schools and Childcare
Can children go back to early years settings, schools or university?
We initially urge those who are currently eligible to use school provision
(children of critical workers and vulnerable children) to attend. As soon as
it is safe to do so we will bring more year groups back to school in a phased
way when it is safe to have larger numbers of children within schools, but not
before. Keeping children and staff safe is our utmost priority.
Schools should prepare to begin opening for more children from 1 June. The
government expects children to be able to return to early years settings, and
for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 to be back in school in smaller class sizes
from this point.
Secondary schools and further education colleges should also prepare to begin
some face to face contact with Year 10 and 12 pupils who have key exams next
year, in support of their continued remote, home learning.
The government’s ambition is for all primary school children to return to
school before the summer for a month if feasible.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Workers’ rights
What if they try to fire me because I won’t go to work but cannot work at home?
We urge employers to take socially responsible decisions and listen to the
concerns of their staff. Employers and employees should come to a pragmatic
agreement about their working arrangements.
If individuals need advice, they should approach ACAS where they can get
impartial advice about work disputes.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Going to work / Safer spaces
Will you open pubs / cinemas / hairdressers in July?
The roadmap sets out that some businesses
(like pubs, cinemas or hairdressers) will not open until Step 3 is reached.
The government’s current planning assumption is that this step will be no
earlier than 4 July and subject to further detailed scientific advice,
provided closer to the time, on how far we can go. When they do reopen, they
should also meet the COVID-19 secure guidelines.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Public spaces / outdoor activities / exercise
Can I go out to help a vulnerable person?
You can go out to care for or help a vulnerable person, or to provide other
voluntary or charitable services, following the advice set out here. You
should not do so if you have coronavirus symptoms, however mild.
Wherever possible, you should stay at least two metres away from others, and
wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (or use hand sanitiser if soap and
water are not available).


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Going to work / Safer spaces
What is a critical worker?
Critical workers are those working in
health and care and other essential services, who can still take their
children to school or childcare and can use hotels and other accommodation
services for work related purposes - for example if they can’t get home after
a shift or need to isolate from their families. This critical worker
definition does not affect whether or not you can travel to work – if you are
not a critical worker, you may still travel to work provided if you cannot
reasonably work from home.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Going to work / Safer spaces
Will a face covering stop me getting COVID-19?
The evidence suggests that face coverings can help us protect each other and
reduce the spread of the disease if you are suffering from coronavirus, but
not showing symptoms.
To protect yourself, you should continue to follow social distancing measures
and isolation guidance and wash your hands regularly.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Enforcement
How will police enforce the new rules?
The police and local authorities have the powers to enforce the requirements
set out in law if people do not
comply with them. The police will act with discretion and common sense in
applying these measures, but if you breach the law, the police may instruct
you to go home, leave an area or disperse, and they may instruct you to take
steps to stop your children breaking these rules if they have already done so.
The police can also take you home or arrest you where they believe it is
necessary.
If the police believe that you have broken the law – or if you refuse to
follow their instructions enforcing the law – a police officer may issue you
with a fixed penalty notice of £100 (reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days),
an increase of £40 from the previous £60 fixed penalty amount. If you have
already received a fixed penalty notice, the amount for further offences will
increase in line with the table below.
First offence £100
Second offence £200
Third offence £400
Fourth offence £800
Fifth offence £1600
Maximum penalty £3200
For both individuals and companies, if you do not pay your fine you could be
taken to court, with magistrates able to impose unlimited fines.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Borders / international visitors
What is self-isolation and which countries will it apply to?
Please note - these measures are NOT yet in force. We will set out further
detail, including from when these will be in force, in due course.
We will be asking people travelling to the UK to make some sacrifices to stop
coronavirus cases from being imported. In the same way as people in the UK
have made large sacrifices to control the spread of coronavirus.
So what we will be asking people to do on entering the UK is supply their
contact details and details of their accommodation, and to self-isolate in
their accommodation for 14 days, other than those on a short list of
exemptions.
We will set out further details shortly.


Guidance Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can't do
Going to work / Safer spaces
What is meant by the phased approach?
Not all forms of work will return to normal at once. People will have to
prepare for a new type of normal. We need to make sure that any changes we do
make are carefully monitored and that we aren’t doing anything to increase the
risk of infection and push the Reproductive value ‘R’ above 1. ‘R’ describes
how many people on average will be infected for every one person who has
COVID-19.
We will ensure that businesses have time to prepare their premises to operate
as safely as possible.
We will set out more detail about the phasing in due course.


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
I am on a fixed-term contract which would ordinarily have given enough time to complete the training and the EPA. If the training is delayed, and I have not completed my EPA before I leave employment, can I do the EPA afterwards?
You must be employed when you are taking your EPA, so where a break in
learning has been necessary, and the planned end-date for your apprenticeship
has had to move back, please speak to your employer and training provider. We
would expect them to work with you to reschedule your training which may also
include reviewing your apprenticeship agreement and commitment statement. We
will keep this under review as the situation evolves.
*[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 levy and service frequently asked questions
Should employers use the ‘Stop’ or ‘Pause’ apprentice facility in the apprenticeship service?
In circumstances related to coronavirus (COVID-19), employers should use the
‘Pause’ function in the service. Employers must ONLY use the ‘Stop’ function
when they are certain that training will not resume at any point. Using
‘Pause’ will stop payments temporarily, and allow the employer and apprentice
to resume the apprenticeship at a later date.
We are reviewing options to simplify the process of re-starting apprentices on
the service, including to facilitate a transfer to a different apprenticeship
or employer in due course.


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 levy and service frequently asked questions
Can you release early the 20% completion payment that would normally be withheld until the end of apprenticeship training to manage cash flow challenges faced by training providers?
Government policy does not allow payment for services in advance of delivery.
The government has set out a substantial package of support to
businesses) to mitigate
the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.


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 about the level 2 English and maths exit requirements for level 3 and higher apprenticeships?
This requirement applies to intermediate (level 2) apprentices only.
Apprentices undertaking a level 3 or higher apprenticeship are still required
to hold or achieve an approved level 2 English and maths qualification before
they can successfully complete their apprenticeship.


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
How are the ESFA monitoring the number of cancelled and postponed EPAs?
EPAOs are an important element to delivering quality apprenticeships. In order
to support them, and the wider market, to meet the future demand, we have
asked end-point organisations to complete a weekly return to the ESFA
recording all coronavirus (COVID-19) related EPA cancellations.
We sent each organisation on the register of end-point assessment
organisations a copy of the template return, which should be sent back to the
apprenticeship assessment mailbox.
This information will help us to understand and manage the post coronavirus
(COVID-19) pipeline of apprenticeship assessment.
[EPAOs]: end-point assessment organisations
  [ESFA]: Education and Skills Funding Agency
  *[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 levy and service frequently asked questions
What happens to my funding reservation as a non-levy employer if my apprentice can’t start?
Reservations will expire if they are not turned into a commitment within 3
months of the apprenticeship start date, detailed in the reservation. Where a
commitment is needed and a previous reservation has expired, a new reservation
must first be made.


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
How will invigilation of assessments be conducted remotely?
Remote tests should be supervised by an appropriately trained invigilator or
assessor who has the necessary qualifications, training or experience and who
has not been involved in the training, preparation or line management of the
apprentice.
Tests must only be carried out within a supervised and controlled environment
and EPAOs must ensure that all testing meets security requirements and that
the details of invigilators are recorded and available for confirmation by EQA
providers.
[EPAOs]: end-point assessment organisations
  [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 levy and service frequently asked questions
Will levy payments be paused for employers?
The apprenticeship levy is an important part of our aim to raise
apprenticeship quality which supports employers to make a long-term,
sustainable investment in training. Due to this, HM Treasury have no current
plans to pause the collection of the apprenticeship levy because of the
coronavirus (COVID-19) disruption.
The Chancellor has set out an unprecedented package of support for businesses
and employers and stands ready to announce further action wherever necessary.


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
Are the evidence arrangements around obtaining learner signatures being relaxed during coronavirus (COVID-19)?
When starting a new apprenticeship, and throughout training, signatures are
required to form part of the evidence pack. Examples of where the funding
rules ask for evidence of signatures to be retained are:

the apprenticeship agreement
the commitment statement
external audit reports for subcontractors
evidence linking to additional payments such as additional learning support and the care leavers bursary
contracts for services
agreements that an apprentice has passed all gateway requirements

It is expected that where providers already have a digital/electronic
signature process, they must continue to utilise their existing processes in
accordance with the respective funding rules.
Where a provider has no digital or electronic systems and processes in place
to capture a learner or employer signature then, under normal circumstances, a
wet signature is required for recruitment and evidence of continuing learning.
A wet signature is created when a person physically ‘marks’ a document.
It is recognised that providers delivering training and/or recruiting learners
during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak will experience difficulty in
obtaining learner and employer wet signatures. Therefore, where providers do
not have systems and processes in place for electronic/digital signatures,
during the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions we will allow
confirmation/evidence to be obtained through email.
For the purpose of audit evidence, we expect a record of acknowledgement or
adoption of a genuine electronic message or document.
Acceptable alternative evidence includes:

an email from the learner and/or employer’s email address with details of the confirmation and their typed name at the end of the message
a typed name on an electronic form or document emailed from the learner and/or employer
a signed scanned document attached to an email from the learner and/or employer
photo taken on a camera/digital medium of the signed document attached to an email from the learner and/or employer

We are allowing providers to use this type of electronic confirmation during
the period of restrictions due to coronavirus (COVID-19), only where no other
usable digital or electronic processes exist. This is not to be used as
alternative evidence as part of the provider’s business as usual process once
the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions are lifted.
Following the period of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, providers using
the above alternative evidence must resume their usual process for obtaining
wet signatures on relevant documentation. Providers must ensure that all
alternative evidence replacing wet signatures received during the coronavirus
(COVID-19) restrictions is genuine and irrefutable, and the evidence is
retained for audit purposes.


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
Where an apprentice is furloughed can they and their employer still take part in a progress review?
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. This includes progress reviews.
If the employer (line manager) is also furloughed, then we appreciate that
arranging a progress review may be more difficult at this current time. But,
provided the discussion is about the progress of the apprenticeship, they are
able to take part in the discussion.


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 provider has put my apprentice on a break in learning because they can’t deliver training. As the apprentice is working as normal and I want their apprenticeship to continue, can I override this break in learning?
We have committed to apprenticeship training providers continuing to be paid
retrospectively for the training that they have delivered and can evidence.
Where training cannot take place for any reason, and this may include the
ability of the provider to continue delivery, an apprentice must be put on a
break in learning to pause payments. Providers are working hard to develop
flexible learning packages to ensure continuity of training where possible and
for some, this may take some time. If you have concerns, we encourage you to
discuss these with the provider.


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 my apprentice continues to do off-the-job training, can this be more than one day a week?
Yes. The normal off-the-job training rules will apply, so training can be done
as a block where this is agreed between the provider and the employer. The 20%
minimum off-the-job training over the length of the apprenticeship will still
need to be satisfied.


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 levy and service frequently asked questions
Will you increase the time available to employers to spend their levy funds?
Employers already have 24 months in which to spend their levy funds before
these expire. For now, we do not intend to make any changes to current
arrangements.


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 evidence do I need to provide to show the apprentice did not take the level 2 English and/or maths functional skills test before entering them for EPA?
You should add a dated note to the evidence pack for the apprentice explaining
that the test was not taken due to revised guidance during coronavirus
(COVID-19).


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 I am not well enough to take my EPA?
If you are unwell, or in a period of self-isolation, and unable to attend your
EPA, please contact your training provider as soon as you are able, to allow
them maximum time to re-schedule your assessment.
*[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 does this mean for the arrangement for gateway prior to EPA?
We want to make it as straightforward as possible to continue EPA. Lifting the
rule to take the test for intermediate (level 2) apprentices should help them
to progress to EPA during the coronavirus (COVID-19) disruption.
*[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
I am having to move critical worker staff into different and/or business critical roles that are connected to their apprenticeship. Can they continue training?
Where apprentices can remain on their programme, they should continue to
fulfil the minimum 20% off-the-job training entitlement. Off-the-job training
can already be delivered flexibly at a time and way to suit the employer and
apprentice (remote observations, distance learning, etc.) and many providers
have developed additional training material in response to coronavirus
(COVID-19). If a critical worker apprentice has been redeployed into another
role, then some of this activity may still count towards off-the-job training
but this should be discussed and agreed between the employer and provider. All
off-the-job training must be relevant new training that develops the
knowledge, skills and behaviours of the apprenticeship and, where funding is
being accessed, it must be delivered by an organisation on the Register of
Apprenticeship Training Providers. Evidence of delivery must be kept.


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 need to take care of myself/a family member. Can I continue my apprenticeship learning at home?
Yes, this may be possible, depending on your apprenticeship and whether
e-learning is available from your training provider. Please check their
website or contact them to discuss your options.


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
How do I record progress towards my apprenticeship while I am subject to different working conditions like working from home?
You should already be recording your off-the-job training activity using an
approach agreed with your training provider. Please continue to use this in
the coming weeks.


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 making me redundant. What happens to my apprenticeship?
Please speak to your training provider if you are made redundant as your
apprenticeship training may be able to continue.
Your training provider may still be able to offer training, based on your
circumstances, in the short term. They may even be able to support you in
finding a new employer.
If that move becomes permanent, you should look to see which alternative
apprenticeship your apprentice can transfer to at Find Apprenticeship
Training
and liaise with your training provider in the usual way.


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 levy and service frequently asked questions
I am a levy-payer with funds in my account. Why can’t my funds be used to continue to pay the provider even though they can’t deliver training? This will help them cope with the financial impacts of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Where training cannot take place for any reason, an apprentice must be put on
a break in learning. When on a break in learning the individual will still be
employed and classed as an apprentice, and they can continue working, but we
cannot pay for training delivery that isn’t taking place.
Where the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak results in loss of income due to
ceased or reduced delivery of training, training providers should consider
their eligibility and apply for the wide range of financial support that HM
Treasury has already announced for businesses. Read the support for
businesses guidance.


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
Where the EPA plan states that assessment must be conducted face-to-face, but cannot be under the current circumstances, can we conduct these remotely?
Where an assessment method requires face to face engagement, this can be
conducted remotely, subject to the following conditions:

arrangements are cleared in advance by the EQA provider
the apprentice’s identity is verified

remote tests are supervised by an appropriately trained invigilator or assessor who:

has the necessary qualifications, training or experience
and who has not been involved in the training, preparation or line management of the apprentice
appropriate technology and systems are in place
the impact that remote assessment may have on apprentices is to be taken into consideration to ensure a fair and reliable assessment of occupational competence
here alternatives are not appropriate, 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

[EQA]: external quality assurance
  [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
What happens to the apprentice during a period of unpaid leave in terms of monies, do they have access to universal credit?
Through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, all UK employers will be able to
access support to continue paying part of their employees’ salary for those
employees that would otherwise have been laid off during this crisis. HMRC
will reimburse 80% of furloughed workers wage costs, up to a cap of £2,500 per
month.
Alternatively, Universal Credit may be available for both workers and the
unemployed alike, as long as they meet the other conditions of entitlement
(including that the applicant and their partner have savings of under £16,000
between them). Apprentices may be entitled to access Universal Credit during a
period of unpaid leave. They may also have access to Universal Credit even if
they were working and being paid. Being laid off or on fewer hours could
increase the rate of Universal Credit entitlement.
Apprentices on unpaid leave may also be eligible for other
benefits.


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
Due to business continuity measures, all staff are required to be available at their usual place of work in their usual job role. How can my apprentices continue their learning?
If your apprentices are required to attend their usual place of work in their
usual job role (critical workers), there are several options available:

apprentices could engage in digital or distance learning at a convenient time within their agreed working hours
they could be offered additional on-site mentor support
they could take a short pause in their learning of less than 4 weeks while still completing by their planned end-date
they could take a formal break in learning of 4 weeks or more and re-calculate the planned end-date upon their return to learning


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
Will there be a requirement to go back and take the level 2 functional skills test after the apprenticeship has been achieved?
Studying and taking the test for intermediate apprentices is suspended until
July 2020, upon which time we will review this position. There will be no
requirement for those apprentices who are passed through gateway to go back
and take the level 2 functional skills test.


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
I have been furloughed, can I still take my end-point assessment?
Yes, where apprentices are furloughed, they can sit their EPA providing that
they meet the conditions for furloughed apprentices.
*[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
Can an existing member of staff start an apprenticeship whilst they are furloughed?
Yes, a furloughed member of staff can start an apprenticeship, but they must
still meet the learner eligibility and programme eligibility criteria of the
apprenticeship funding rules. For example, the apprenticeship must be a real
job, the candidate must require a programme that has a minimum training
duration of 12 months, with a minimum of 20% off the job training over this
duration to become occupationally competent. With regards to learner
eligibility the provider should consider how they would assure the ESFA of the
identity and eligibility of the individual and how they would carry out the
initial assessment.
*[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
What funding support is currently available to support redundant apprentices?
The existing funding support relating to redundancy is outlined in the table
below. In additional to this funding support, a package of pastoral support is
currently being put together and information will follow on this shortly.
Apprentice is within 6 months of the final day of training We will fund 100%
of the remaining costs of the price negotiated between the provider and the
previous employer, up to the funding band maximum.Within this 6 month period:-
If the apprentice finds a new employer where they can complete their
apprenticeship, the new employer assumes outstanding liabilities and benefits
from that point.- If the apprentice takes a job with an employer which is not
related to their apprenticeship, we will continue to fund the remaining costs.
Apprentice is between 6 months and 12 months of the final day of training We
will fund the remaining costs of the price negotiated between the provider and
the previous employer, for a maximum of 12 weeks. Within this 12 week period:-
If the apprentice finds a new employer where they can complete their
apprenticeship, the new employer assumes outstanding liabilities and benefits
from that point.- If the apprentice takes a job with an employer which is not
related to their apprenticeship, we will continue to fund the remaining costs
for up to 12 weeks.- If a new employer is not found within 12 weeks, the
apprentice is withdrawn from the programme but can return to the same
apprenticeship at a later date, without the need to satisfy the 12 month
minimum duration rule.
Apprentice is more than 12 months away from the final day of training We will
fund the remaining costs of the price negotiated between the provider and the
previous employer for a maximum of 12 weeks.Within this 12 week period:- If
the apprentice finds a new employer where they can complete their
apprenticeship, the new employer assumes outstanding liabilities and benefits
from that point.- If the apprentice takes a job with an employer which is not
related to their apprenticeship, we will continue to fund the remaining costs
for up to 12 weeks.- If a new employer is not found within 12 weeks, the
apprentice is withdrawn from the programme. If they return at a later date to
the same apprenticeship, they would need to satisfy the 12 month minimum
duration rule.