Education officials have played down advice to schools in Kent that they may need to prepare for more migrant children because of Brexit.

An updated version of a guidance document issued to schools flags up the possibility of more migrant children arriving under a no-deal Brexit who could need places and additional support.

In a section headed Potential Challenges to Schools and Communities, the document states: "Potential for increased numbers of migrants arriving in Kent as a consequence of the increased opportunity afforded by congestion on the continent, including unaccompanied asylum-seeking children."

The council said it was just one element of advice and guidance being offered and there was no suggestion that KCC was expecting an increase.

Ian Watts, Kent County Council area education officer, said: "The document in question is specifically for schools to raise awareness of possible issues and scenarios that may be encountered following a no deal Brexit.

"The document is not exhaustive, as we cannot readily predict the full implications of the United Kingdom exiting the European Union.

"However, we see it as our responsibility to ensure we are as prepared as we can be for a worst-case scenario and to make sure schools and other education settings do all they can to continue to provide for our children and young people even in times of emergency and uncertainty.

"We are not saying the issues and scenarios discussed in the Brexit guidance will happen, but that they could and we should be prepared for that.

"The reference to increased numbers of migrants, including Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC), is to focus school leaders’ thoughts on what implications that may have for their own school.

"This may simply mean an increase in the numbers of children requiring a school place in a specific locality, or it may have wider implications on the resources for schools.

"For example, due to the levels of additional needs these young people may have, this could result in increased pastoral support being required within a school."

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