Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for parents and carers
If you’re a parent, carer or in a childcare bubble, it's a good idea to get a rapid flow test twice a week
Please don't ask your school but get your test through any of these routes:
- through your employer if they offer testing to employees
- by collecting a home test kit from one of our community testing sites
see our rapid lateral flow test page for more information on where you can get a test - order a home testing kit online
website: schools, nurseries and colleges testing: order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow home test kits (opens in a new window)
Parents and carers what you need to know about the return to schools
Government have updated their information for parents and carers of children who are attending school (including special schools) during COVID-19. The guidance has been updated to include, amongst other things, information about home testing, CEV shielding measures and test and trace support payments.
The DfE has published an open letter from Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to parents, carers and guardians. It is about the decision to lift restrictions on education from 8 March and on the asymptomatic testing programme and safety measures.
From 8 March pupils will return to face-to-face education in school and further education. The Government have published a blog to inform parents and carers about what to expect.
Government announcement on the closure of education settings and summer 2021 exams
On Wednesday 6 January, Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education in England, made a statement to Parliament on the closure of education settings during national lockdown. In his statement he confirmed that GCSEs and A and AS Level exams will not go ahead this summer and will put their trust in teachers rather than algorithms with detailed guidance to follow. Also issued on the 8 January was a press release from the Education Secretary which outlines plans to support young people. You can read both here:
Gavin Williamson 8 Jan Statement (opens in a new window)
Education Secretary 8 Jan Press Release (opens in a new window)
Vulnerable children and the children of critical workers who can attend school and college
On Tuesday 5 January, the Government announced that, during the period of national lockdown, schools and colleges should only allow vulnerable children and the children of critical workers to attend.
Early years settings, schools and college advice
Quick guides for parents on absence due to COVID-19
Download: A quick guide for parents on COVID-19 (coronavirus) absence from college (PDF)
Download: A quick guide for parents on COVID-19 (coronavirus) absence from nursery (PDF)
Download: A quick guide for parents on COVID-19 (coronavirus) absence from school (PDF)
Advice, guidance and support
Health and wellbeing
Educational resources and things to do at home
COVID-19, Domestic Abuse and Your Community
You might be worried about yourself or a friend/relative’s wellbeing whilst we are being asked to stay at home as part of the COVID-19 emergency measures. If so, help is available:
SafeLives ending domestic abuse # you are not alone
Safe Lives have all the domestic abuse resources in a one stop link:
Website: SafeLives ending domestic abuse - Domestic abuse and COVID-19 (opens in a new window)
Free phone 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
West Mercia Women’s Aid Helpline 24 hours a day on 0800 980 3331
Website: West Mercia Women's Aid (opens in a new window)
Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 (Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm)
In an emergency always dial 999
For more information about this service and further domestic abuse related information and services please visit the Worcestershire County Council Domestic abuse website.