Vulnerable children will suffer "lasting harm" from the coronavirus pandemic, the schools' watchdog has said. Ofsted warned that pupils with special education needs and disabilities were losing out on vital support services and demanded that all schools "make the effort" to help children attend class.
In a major report, England's Chief Inspector Amanda Spielman also said that some children were falling through the cracks after months away from school, where teachers could have spotted signs of abuse and neglect.
More than 75,000 children are now being home schooled - a 38% increase since last year - according to a survey of local authorities.