Published 25th September 2020

A support helpline has being set up for parents who have concerns about sending their children to school due to COVID-19.

The school attendance helpline has been set up by the school nursing team at Southend-on-Sea Borough Council. This was in response to the number of calls the council’s customer service team were receiving about sending children into school despite concerns over coronavirus. Any parent who has concerns, or is considering home-schooling their child due to COVID-19, can talk through their worries with a member of the school nursing team. The helpline will launch on Monday 28 September and operate Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm.

Labour Councillor Anne Jones, cabinet member for children and learning, said: “Parents understandably want to keep their children safe and well, especially during a pandemic. The Government have been clear that children should be attending school – for a range of reasons, not least their ongoing education and mental health needs. Our schools are following Government guidance, have carried out detailed risk assessments and are working really hard to keep the children, staff, parents and the wider community, safe and well. I would urge any parent who is worried about sending their child to school due to COVID-19 to call the helpline and talk their worries through with a member of the school nursing team. I am sure they will be able to give reassurance and talk through possible options that they can explore with their school.”

The number for the helpline is 01702 212520.