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“Councils have a legal duty to ensure capacity but need powers to open new schools or direct academies to expand. This is the best way to ensure as many children as possible get the places they want.”

“The coronavirus pandemic has shown that listening and working together can lead to policies that have positive outcomes for our most vulnerable communities, including children and young people from low-income families."

"Councils want all children to return to school but it is imperative that pupils return to school only when it is safe for them to do so and schools are best placed to make those decisions based on their own individual circumstances."

"A clear national message is now needed from government about the safe return of children to schools and the scientific advice must be accessible for all parents to support efforts by schools and councils."

“Councils are keen to support their local schools to get children back as soon as possible. However, the safety of children, their families and staff will always be the top priority."

"This funding is good news and will help councils and partner organisations further support child victims of domestic abuse, which can have a long-term and devastating impact on families."

School closures, staff sickness and coronavirus demand on resources has left many councils struggling to provide support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, the Local Government Association says today.  

“Councils are extremely concerned about the financial viability of early years providers, many of whom are operating at a loss in order to provide vital childcare for our critical workers and most vulnerable children."

“Councils have a track record of doing everything they can to rise to the challenge of ensuring no child goes without a place, having created more than 800,000 new places since 2010."

“We want to work with the Government to ensure that schools are given the support they need over the immediate term, and this includes urgently placing a temporary pause on academy conversions during this time.