Clinically Vulnerable Families (CVF), Core Participants in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, have welcomed the Inquiry’s Children and Young People’s Voices report, that has been published today, but warned that children’s safety must not be reduced to “fear” or “anxiety”.

The report highlights that some children in Clinically Vulnerable households:

• Took on caring roles but were never recognised or supported as “young carers”.

• Were bullied or excluded when they wore masks or tried to stay safe.

• Lost education when schools could / did not provide safe or remote options.

CVF founder Lara Wong said:

“We welcome this research and the Inquiry’s commitment to listening to children. The next step must be to focus on managing the root causes of high transmission risks in schools, so that no child is ever put under such pressure to act alone to stay safe and forced to choose between their education and their family’s safety again. We look forward to engaging with the Inquiry within this critical module about the change that is needed.”

In particular CVF is calling for:

1. Safe schools – clean air, ventilation, and airborne protections.

2. Remote and hybrid education when in-person learning is unsafe.

3. Fair attendance policies recognising household clinical risk.

4. Recognition of clinical vulnerability as distinct from disability in law and policy.

CVF looks forward to giving evidence at the Inquiry hearings and working towards lasting change to keep children safe, included, and supported.

For more information or to arrange interviews contact Newsroom@markettiers.com

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