During a session with House of Commons education members, president of Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) Jenny Coles, and Javed Khan, the chief executive of Barnardo’s, as well as others, presented their opinion on the current child care situation. Due to Covid-19 measures, the school attendance of vulnerable students has dropped to 'one digit'.
Coles stated that the main hindrance could be parents' fear of sending their children to school. However, Coles suggested that a strong national message could persuade parents to change their minds. They expect an increase of ‘vulnerable’ children in the near future due to the economical difficulties brought on by Covid-19 and have hence suggested amendments to legislation that could relax duties for children in care, as budget cuts and general 'belt-tightening' could mean a drop in charitable donations.
