Department for Education Coronavirus helpline

The Department for Education coronavirus helpline is available to answer questions about COVID-19 relating to education and children’s social care. Staff, parents and young people can contact this helpline as follows:

Phone: 0800 046 8687

Opening hours: 8am to 6pm (Monday to Friday), 10am to 4pm (Saturday to Sunday)

Please note: opening hours have been extended to cover weekends and the DfE are increasing the number of call handlers available to answer your calls.

Like everyone else in the country right now, our single most critical priority is to minimise the spread of Covid-19. We fully appreciate that this is a very difficult time for everyone. This is a global pandemic, never experienced before.

Some Useful Resources

• Elsa Support - A free downloadable ebook about Coronavirus and a printable poster about hand washing
• BBC Newsround - A series of short videos, many featuring TV Doctors Chris and Xand, explaining various aspects of the Coronavirus and it’s effects.
• Brainpop - Short animated video about Coronavirus.
• Little Puddins - A booklet about Coronavirus which can be downloaded and printed. It is intended for parents/carers of children with autism to share with children help them deal with the changes and anxiety around what is happening. However it is likely that many children may find this a reassuring resource.
• Ebug - Ebug is operated by Public Health, England as a resource about microbes and antibiotics for schools. It’ includes a section on coronavirus with printable resources for all ages.
• Young Minds - This website is dedicated to supporting the mental health of young people. It includes advice on coping with anxiety about Coronavirus and looking after mental health while self-isolating.