Back to school
Back to school – Autumn term
School is the best place for your child to be.
With the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, children and young people are now able to enjoy more freedom and socialisation in their education. Going to school or college will benefit pupils:
- educational development
- emotional mental and physical wellbeing
- social development
- sense of regular routine
Being at school keeps children’s education on track, so they can achieve their full potential.
School attendance is mandatory. The benefit of attending school continue to significantly outweigh the Covid-19 health risk to children. Public Health England and the government’s chief medical and scientific officers agree that there is a very low risk and rate of severe illness in children from Covid-19.
If you have concerns you should discuss these with your school so that your child is able to continue attending school.
Changes to Covid-19 measures at schools and colleges
School or college will feel different for your child as COVID-19 measures are relaxed.
- bubbles and staggered start and finish times are no longer advised
- children and young people can again have break-times and lunch together and take part in practical lessons and sports with other classes and year groups
- face coverings are no longer advised for pupils, staff or visitors
- secondary schools and colleges are advised to continue with regular handwashing, cleaning regimes, and to keep spaces well ventilated
- rapid Covid-19 testing of secondary and college students should continue twice a week, even for those who have been vaccinated
- if your child is identified as a close contact they will not need to self-isolate; instead they will be advised to take a PCR test
- schools and colleges will have plans in place on what to do if anyone at school or college tests positive for Covid-19, or if additional measures are needed to be reintroduced for a limited period.
If your child has Covid-19 symptoms
If your child has any of the main Covid-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste), they should not attend school and should stay at home.
You should arrange for them to get a PCR test and tell your child’s school the test results. Your child should not attend school while you are waiting for test results, even if they are feeling better.
If the test is negative, they should go to school as normal. If they test positive, they should continue to isolate and follow public health advice.