Schools told to prepare for Brexit

The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a voluntary survey for education providers to outline their plans for Brexit. Information from the survey, which closes on 31 October, will be used by the DfE to help the sector be ‘as best prepared as they can be’.

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The survey was flagged to schools in a letter sent from education minister Lord Agnew this week.

In the letter, seen by Tes, Lord Agnew, school system minister, wrote, ‘Schools should contact their food supplier (s) if they procure food directly (and the same goes for local authorities and academy trusts where they arrange food on behalf of schools) to ensure they are planning for 31 October.

‘This is to ensure that suppliers are making the necessary arrangements to continue the supply of food to schools, and to make sure that schools can continue to meet nutritional standards, accommodate special dietary needs and manage allergies, for example when introducing any substitute products.’

The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) criticised the DfE for not providing enough practical advice to prepare for Brexit.

General secretary Geoff Barton said, 'Lord Agnew’s letter puts an onus on local authorities and schools to prepare for Brexit while giving them only the vaguest idea of what to expect. There is little in the way of practical advice other than telling them to contact their food suppliers to check what arrangements have been put in place over the supply of school meals.

'It is difficult for schools and colleges to develop any meaningful contingency plan to prepare for Brexit when the Government has little idea about what will happen on 31 October.'

A Department for Education spokesperson said, ‘This Government is working hard to get a deal but we must be prepared to leave the EU on October 31, whatever the circumstances.

‘The DfE has already made extensive EU exit preparations, including providing guidance for schools and councils to help them ensure a smooth transition. We continue to work with our stakeholders to make sure they are aware of what they need to do and are as best prepared as they can be.’