This paper provides brief information in response to some key questions regarding the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak on separated families, maintenance arrangements and access to children: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8901/

Published Tuesday, 05 January, 2021 

The paper is not intended to address the specific circumstances of any individual or family and suitably qualified legal advice should instead be sought. 

Relevant national and local restrictions should also be consulted. These can be found at the respective pages for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  

The paper addresses:

• Can children move between the homes of separated parents?
• Rules regarding children required to self-isolate 
• Requirements to self-isolate when returning from abroad
• How should parents comply with a court-orders for contact?
• How are child maintenance payments impacted?
• Can I visit my child in care/residential home?
• My child contact centre is closed: What alternatives are being made?
• Where can I go for help and advice?

This is a fast-moving issue and the briefing should be read as correct at the time of publication.

We will be sharing tips and advice from experts, published resources and our members here. Please let us know if there's a question you'd like answered. Some of the topics are below: 

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ 

Irpreet Kohli, Director and Family Lawyer at Freeths clears up the confusion over Bubbles:
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2917346468556876&id=1508940676064136 

National lockdown: Stay at home

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-lockdown-stay-at-home?

Making a Childcare Bubble with another Household

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-childcare-bubble-with-another-household

Get laptops for children who cannot attend schools

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-laptops-and-tablets-for-children-who-cannot-attend-school-due-to-coronavirus-covid-19

Schools and families can request free mobile data increases for students without broadband and/or who can't afford extra data for devices. 

3, Smarty, Virgin Mobile, EE, Tesco Mobile & Sky Mobile are all taking part in the scheme.

For more info: https://get-help-with-tech.education.gov.uk/about-increasing-mobile-data

A list of Educational resources & activities will have it's own page as there are so many, but the BBC is a new one!

BBC to put lessons on TV during lockdown - BBC News 

Access Twinkl resources, online interactive lessons and more.

https://www.twinkl.co.uk/resources/covid19-school-closures

When is PE with Joe Wicks returning and what time will it be on? | Metro News 

The Body Coach TV - YouTube 

Facebook post on 5th January 2021

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2916647291960127&id=1508940676064136 

Single Parenting During the Coronavirus Crisis | Child Mind Institute 

A message for everyone especially working parents from Amlani Coaching, (@Priya Amlani)
https://www.facebook.com/AmlaniCoaching/posts/3737407496305145 

Caron Kipping of the Dash Charity gives the following advice:

" First port of call – 999 if an emergency. Safety comes above everything else.  *You can also call the National DA Helpline – free, 24 hrs a day on 0808 2000 247, they will give you initial advice and put you in touch with your local domestic abuse service.  

*Google ‘domestic abuse support’ in your local area – most domestic abuse services have a confidential helpline or email contact. These services are free and they will offer you advice, signpost you to experts who can help you, advise you on your options and offer practical help, safety and support to help you through the process. If you need to go to refuge you can still do this during lockdown or get specialist outreach support through your local services.  

*Find a coach specialising in domestic abuse who can help you decide on options and support you through the process. "

Coronavirus (COVID-19) – Furlough
https://workingfamilies.org.uk/articles/coronavirus-furlough/