What is the new guidance for schools returning in September?
The Government has announced their plans to have all year groups back in school full time when the autumn term begins, with attendance set to be compulsory.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told MPs today that ‘education recovery is critical for this generation’, adding: ‘Returning to normal educational routines as quickly as possible is critical to our national recovery too.’
The Government has also published new guidelines for how schools can return to something resembling normal from September while also being ‘Covid-secure.’
So, what are the main changes we can expect to see in the autumn term?
Home testing
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Mr Williamson said they are‘ensuring testing is readily available so that parents, teachers and students can return with confidence.’
He added: ‘All staff, pupils and their families will continue to have access to testing if they develop Covid-19 symptoms.
‘By the start of the autumn term, we will provide all schools and colleges with a small number of home testing kits. These will be taken home by children or staff who develop symptoms while on-site, but who would struggle to access a testing centre. This is so that they can have a test quickly and they can get results back quickly.’
The government website states: ‘The government will ensure that it is as easy as possible to get a test through a wide range of routes that are locally accessible, fast and convenient.
‘We will release more details on new testing avenues as and when they become available and will work with schools so they understand what the quickest and easiest way is to get a test.’
Expanded social bubbles rather than social distancing
Instead of attempting to enforce social distancing measures, which would no doubt present a challenge in schools particularly with young children, the ‘protective bubble’ system currently being used in schools will continue to be implemented.
Creating these groups will be an attempt to minimise contact between the children in other groups.
There will be different starting, finishing, lunch and break times between the groups as well as separate busses, and big events like assemblies will not happen.
Increased hygiene practices
Regular hand cleaning will be recommended along with the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach.
There should also be an increase in the amount of cleaning being done on the premises, and students will be advised against taking public transport to school, when possible.
Use of coverings
Pupils and staff won’t be expected to wear masks because they ‘are mixing in consistent groups and because misuse may inadvertently increase the risk of transmission.’
In addition, ‘there may also be negative effects on communication and thus education.’
However it is required that masks are worn by children over the age of 11 if they’re on public transport or at the hospital as either a patient or visitor.
In the event of infection
If a child or teacher experiences symptoms of coronavirus, they’ll need to be taken home immediately to self-isolate and either use a home test or book one.
If someone at school comes into close contact with a pupil or teacher who is confirmed to have caught Covid-19, they’ll need to self-isolate as well.
‘By the autumn term, all schools will be provided with a small number of home testing kits that they can give directly to parents/carers collecting a child who has developed symptoms at school, or staff who have developed symptoms at school, where they think providing one will significantly increase the likelihood of them getting tested,’ the official advice states.
Schools should also ask to be informed as soon as the results of a test are available.
On the subject of outbreaks, the government website also explains: ‘If schools have two or more confirmed cases within 14 days, or an overall rise in sickness absence where coronavirus (COVID-19) is suspected, they may have an outbreak, and must continue to work with their local health protection team who will be able to advise if additional action is required.
‘In some cases, health protection teams may recommend that a larger number of other pupils self-isolate at home as a precautionary measure – perhaps the whole site or year group.’
MORE: Map shows coronavirus cases in your area and where local lockdowns will be next
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