Education (COVID-19) – Children's Law Centre

Will my child’s EMA Bonus Payment be affected by COVID-19?

inico Admin — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 11:01:14 +0000

No. Those students who sign Part 2 of their EMA Learning Agreement by 21st December 2020 will be eligible for consideration for the January Bonus, whilst those who sign Part 2 after 21st December will not.

The actual release of the January Bonus Payment will, however, continue to be dependent on the student meeting the terms of Part 2 of their EMA Learning Agreement.

Will COVID-19 affect my child’s EMA payment being backdated to the start of term?

inico Admin — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 10:59:39 +0000

For academic year 2020/21 the period for applicants to be considered for backdated EMA is being extended.

Usually, if students submit their EMA application to the Student Loans Company before 30th September, they will have their weekly allowance payments backdated to the beginning of term. However, for the academic year 2020/21, students who submit their application before the 3rd December 2020 will have their weekly allowance backdated to the beginning of term.

Any applications which are submitted after 3rd December 2020 will only be backdated to the date that it was received by the Student Loans Company.

Please note that the EMA application packs for academic year 2020/21 were printed prior to the impact of COVID-19, and therefore some printed EMA forms refer to 30th September to qualify for backdated weekly allowance payments.

My child did not receive their EMA payment as the school did not confirm their attendance; will they be entitled to a back payment?

inico Admin — Mon, 04 May 2020 15:02:43 +0000

Yes – students will receive a back payment of any EMA support owed to them once the situation has been rectified. You should contact the school or college directly to ensure that they have provided the correct information to the EA to ensure reinstatement of payments and back payment.

My child received EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance) prior to school closures; will they still receive this?

inico Admin — Fri, 01 May 2020 15:16:47 +0000

Yes, EMA weekly allowance and Bonus payments will continue to be payable to students for the remainder of the academic year, or earlier should the schools and colleges reopen before then.

My child had exceptional teaching arrangements, can they still access this during COVID-19?

inico Admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:44:50 +0000

The EA has made arrangements for remote access to teaching online, over the phone or via provision of learning packs for children who currently have exceptional teaching arrangements in place and have indicated that all families will be contacted by their local provider. Further information can be found here.

Can my child still access ETI Information and Resources during the COVID-19 pandemic?

inico Admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:43:47 +0000

The Education and Training Inspectorate have collated a set of information and remote learning resources for children with SEN who attend special schools. This information, which includes visuals aids, daily activities and information about useful websites can be accessed here.

Are EA Pupil Support Services still available during the COVID-19 pandemic?

inico Admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:42:02 +0000

EA’s Pupil Support Services such as literacy support, ASD Support, Services for children who have hearing or visual impairments and Early Years support are available but may have adapted the way that services are provided. A number of EA Services have a range of specific materials that you can use at home with your children, as well as contact details if you need to seek advice. This information can be accessed here.

Can I still make an appeal to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Tribunal (SENDIST) during the COVID-19 pandemic?

inico Admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:40:42 +0000

The SENDIST is operating on a limited basis due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Parental SEN Appeals and Disability Discrimination Claims should still be filed by parents as usual and these are being registered and processed.

Cases which are ready for hearing are currently being offered by having a hearing on the papers alone; by teleconference or secure video-link, or by waiting for a face to face oral hearing (which may be delayed). We strongly recommend that you take legal advice before agreeing to any form of hearing other than a face to face oral hearing.

CLC legal advisers are working as usual and can provide advice about how to proceed in individual cases. You can call us on 08088085678 or email info@childrenslawcentre.org

What legal duties are affected by COVID-19 in relation to SEN?

inico Admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 15:36:19 +0000

During the emergency measures which were in place due to coronavirus, the Department of Education issued Notices which meant that the legal duties owed to children with SEN were in some circumstances reduced to a “Best Endeavours” duty. Legal time limits for statutory assessment and statementing had also been affected. From 24th August 2020, these emergency measures no longer apply. All SEN legal duties have been restored to the normal standard as set out in the SEN legal framework