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29th April 2020

Guidance on the use of free early education entitlements funding during coronavirus (COVID-19)

This new guidance sets out how, in exceptional circumstances, local authorities may use their dedicated schools grant (DSG) funding differently during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This is so the children of critical workers and vulnerable children who are eligible for the free early education entitlements are able to receive their places.

The guidance can be found here:

Updated guidance on the actions for schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

We have updated our guidance on the actions for schools during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This update includes information on the testing of education and childcare workers, provision of education on the 08 May Bank Holiday, and the continuation of recruitment.

The guidance can be found here:

Students in England encouraged to apply now for student finance

The Student Loans Company has confirmed that the application service will remain open to students as part of its response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and are encouraging students in England to apply for student finance as soon as possible to ensure their finances are in place for the new academic year.

New students are being asked to submit their applications before 22 May 2020. The Student Loans Company is contacting returning students to remind them to reapply for their next year’s student finance. The deadline for these applications is 19 June.

Applications for student finance can be made here:

Public Health England has updated their guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection

Public Health England has published guidance for households with grandparents, parents and children living together where someone is at risk or has symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

The guidance can be found here:

Coronavirus (COVID-19) testing eligibility extended to help protect the most vulnerable

The government has announced that anyone in England showing symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) who has to leave the home to go to work, or is aged 65 and over, is eligible for testing along with members of their households with symptoms. This is in addition to all essential workers with symptoms. Testing can be booked through a new online system.

Guidance on coronavirus (COVID-19) testing, including who is eligible for a test, how to get tested and the different types of test available can be found here: