Schools

Lockdown

All schools and colleges in Tower Hamlets have moved to remote learning for the majority of children and young people following the lockdown introduced on Wednesday 6 January – a review of school closures by the government is expected in mid-February.

For now, only vulnerable children and the children of critical workers may attend school to receive face-to-face learning in a classroom.

If your child is eligible for a laptop, please speak to their school directly; additional devices are now being distributed through education providers, not the council.

A full list of eligible children can be found on the government website. Please speak to your child’s school directly if you think your child should attend.

Take a look at what advice, support and information is available to support families with school-aged children - covering mental health, staying active, online learning, and much more.

Visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest information.

Why school is important

Children have a right to education, and a school is the best place to learn.

We know that the impact of being excluded from an education are lifelong, and can be emotional and social, not just academic.

The government recognises this and children - who play a small part in the spread of Covid-19, and are less likely to get ill from it - are now legally required to go to school.

Travel to and from school

Public transport capacity is limited so where possible try to walk, cycle or scoot part or all of your journey.

Visit our school run page for advice and support to make travel more active, healthy and enjoyable.

For longer journeys, Transport for London are running extra buses at the busiest times – visit tfl.gov.uk/reopeningeducation for more information.

What support is available for families

View our advice and support page for a collection of links, advice, information, and support for parent/carers with school-aged children during COVID-19.

Department for Education

The Department for Education has information for parents and carers on their website gov.uk/backtoschool.

Family Information Service

If you need support you can call the council’s Family Information Service on 020 7364 6495 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).

Mental wellbeing

If you, or anyone you know, needs support with mental wellbeing visit good-thinking.uk to explore a range of free support, resources and apps available.

The gov.uk website also contains guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing. It covers stress, eating disorders, grieving, bullying, physical health, autism, children who care for others, learning disabilities , urgent support, and more.

Childcare

For support arranging childcare when school starts again, or when you go back to work, call the Tower Hamlets Children’s Centre team on 020 7364 5277 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm) or visit the childcare and early years page for more.

Information in other languages

Visit the London UK website for information and advice in a range of languages.