Coronavirus daily update: Monday 4 May
Fiona Simpson
Monday, May 4, 2020
The Duchess of Cambridge has praised the work of health visitors and midwives during a discussion highlighting the challenges faced by new and expectant parents in light of the coronavirus pandemic.
- Each day, CYP Now will summarise the key issues affecting the children and families sector as it tackles the effects of the pandemic. The daily update signposts children’s services practitioners and leaders to the latest developments, expert views, advice and resources.
Updates for Monday 4 May:
Duchess of Cambridge praises work of health visitors
Health visitors have spoken to the Duchess of Cambridge about the importance of supporting new and expectant mothers during the coronavirus crisis.
Kate took part in a discussion with NHS workers and leaders in mental and paediatric health and midwifery, including representatives from the Institute of Health Visiting, last week.
The group discussed key concerns that new and expectant parents had during the pandemic, including apprehension about going into hospital and for community appointments, isolation, reduced support systems and increased anxiety.
The experts also spoke about the importance of community and emotional support for mothers which has been made more difficult by social distancing.
The Duchess praised the resources developed by key institutions, saying: “As organisations you’re playing such a vital role giving key information. You’re hugely trusted by the public and therefore the information you provide is a lifeline to a lot of people.”
Universities encouraged to use hardship fund to support struggling students
The government has advised universities to use existing funding to support disadvantaged students who have been financially impacted by coronavirus.
In new guidance, the Department for Education said it had been working with the Office for Students (OfS) to enable providers to use existing university funding offered to expand hardship funds.
“As a result, providers will be able to use the funding, totalling £46m across April and May, towards student hardship funds and mental health support, as well as to support providers’ access and participation plans,” the guidance states.
However, sector leaders have called for emergency funding to be released to help vulnerable students.
Katharine Sacks-Jones, chief executive of Become, the national charity for children in care and care leavers said: “Whilst we welcome the government making clear that universities can use more of their existing funds to help students, this falls short of the emergency grant we have called for. Any support is at the discretion of providers, many of whom are already struggling financially.”
Schools and nurseries to ‘decide whether to stay open’ over early May bank holiday
The Department for Education has said it is down to schools and childcare settings to decide whether to stay open over the early May bank holiday.
The national holiday, which falls on Friday (8 May) this year to coincide with the 75th anniversary of VE Day, would normally see schools close.
However, in updated guidance from the DfE, settings are asked to consult with parents over plans to close.
It states: “Schools, colleges and early year providers should decide, in consultation with the parents of children who are currently attending, whether it is necessary for them to continue to look after critical workers’ children and vulnerable children on Friday 8 May.”
It comes after schools were encouraged to stay open to vulnerable children and children of key workers over the Easter break.
-
School closures 'have limited impact' on slowing spread of Covid-19
-
Free school meals scheme to cover Easter holiday
Millions pledged to support vulnerable children
The government has vowed to invest £34.15m in work to safeguard vulnerable children during the pandemic.
The money, invested by the Department for Education and the Home Office, is set to support work to safeguard vulnerable children including children with disabilities, those who are critically ill, care leavers and children in the early years.
“Funding will also allow charities to offer support services in new ways, using remote working and technology solutions, for example, to help tackle criminal threats and mitigate the risks to vulnerable children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic,” DfE said.
The funding is part of a £76m package to support survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence and vulnerable children and their families and victims of modern slavery.
-
Minister backs plans to relax council duties to vulnerable children
-
Coronavirus: campaigners warn on capacity of children’s charities
Youth group launches advice hub for workers and volunteers
The Creative Engagement Partnership for Young People, based in Manchester, has launched an online portal offering coronavirus advice, guidance and up-to-date information for youth workers and volunteers.
The site signposts workers to government advice and guidance from sector leaders as well as tips for carrying out detached youth work.
Resources are available as well as extra support and training around safeguarding and keeping staff and volunteers safe.
