Coronavirus: Suffolk County Council offering travel to children making journey to school next week

Suffolk County Council has announced it will be providing travel for children who are attending school next week.

On Monday, March 23, school routes will run as normal except for those schools which are already fully closed.

This may continue past Monday depending on how many students make the journey on that day.

The council is asking parents to confirm with their school office whether they intend to bring their child(ren) to school next Monday.

The Government has asked parents to keep their children at home wherever possible, in order to lessen the risk of the virus spreading.

However, if a child needs specialist support, is vulnerable or has a parent who is a critical worker and therefore cannot be safely looked after at home, they will be allowed to attend school.

Parents are being asked to confirm with their employer whether their role is deemed as critical, in order to know whether their child is eligible to attend school next week.

Councillor Mary Evans, cabinet member for children’s services, education and skills said: "We are working closely with schools and partners to comply with government advice and appreciate parents’ efforts to do the same.

"I want to thank everyone across the education sector who is working extremely hard to make the necessary changes to ensure that Suffolk children are kept safe and well during this time.

"I recognise that this is an unsettling time and we will provide regular updates to parents, particularly regarding any changes regarding the partial closure of schools."

For more information on school closures in the area visit: https://www.suffolk.gov.uk/children-families-and-learning/schools/school-closures/

For Government advice visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers