WCC Ukraine Response Information for schools re: Ukrainian Children and Young People requests for school places
Lots of schools are dealing with requests for school placements for children and young people arriving from Ukraine. We thank you all in advance for you compassion and understanding. It is hoped this will summarise initial thoughts and questions regarding their arrival.
We are using the same tried and tested system that we used last year for our Afghan settlement programme. It worked successfully and was based on centralising communication and funding. This enabled more schools to access the funding they needed to support children and young people.
- EMTAS – Schools should contact EMTAS for support as they normally do. EMTAS should then invoice the budget holder for reimbursement.
- FSM – Schools should offer Free School Meals to children and then claim back from us. We are assuming that most families will be eligible. Please could schools ensure meals are provided from day one. Schools should then send invoices to schoolimprovement@warwickshire.gov.uk and we will forward them on for payment at the usual rate. When guest families have had their paperwork processed, they will be eligible to apply in the same way as UK residents.
- TRIPS – Schools in first instance should look to use their own internal funds/PTA initially. However, please do contact us with specific requests such as residentials etc.
- OUT OF YEAR CHILDREN – Children with EAL should not be educated out of their year group
- TRAUMA SUPPORT – We are proud of how Warwickshire schools are equipped to support children who have experienced trauma and those who have had very challenging starts in life. Many schools are trained in Nurture and the Thrive approach to name but two. It would be entirely appropriate for schools to use similar approaches with their Ukrainian arrivals. If more specific and bespoke support is needed, then schools would raise this with EMTAS who can than pass on to the Education Cell for commissioning if appropriate.
- UNIFORM – As part of Afghan re-settlement work schools often had spare uniform or were able to use 2nd hand unform. If schools do not have uniform, they can invoice for funding. Again – this can come to schoolimprovement@warwickshire.gov.uk
If you have any further queries please contact ukraine@warwickshire.gov.uk or please call Kerry Brabazon on the Education Corona Line.