Coronavirus: Changes to restrictions

Only meet indoors with people you live with or your support bubble. Up to 6 people or 2 households can meet outside. Work from home if you can. If you have symptoms get a test and stay at home.

Coronavirus: Information and advice

Coronavirus: Schools, education and childcare

1. School and College attendance

Schools have worked really hard to ensure that they are safe for pupils and staff. 

This includes support for hand washing, environmental cleaning and social distancing. 

Staff in all schools and colleges are offered rapid testing for COVID twice a week to ensure that any cases are picked up quickly. 

In addition, secondary school pupils and college students will now also be offered these tests. 

These tests are not mandatory. If you have children at a secondary school, you will be asked if you agree to them being tested. 

If you have concerns about your child returning to school or college because you consider they may have specific risk factors, you should discuss these with your school or college. They will be able to explain ways in which they are changing things to reduce risks.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that staff and children remain safe whilst they are in an education setting. 

We would be grateful if you could play your part by:

  • Not sending your child to their nursery, childminder, school or college if they are showing coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms, or someone in their household is showing symptoms.
  • Arranging a test if you or your child develops symptoms and inform your nursery, childminder, school or college of the results: Testing and tracing for coronavirus - NHS webpage
  • If the test is positive, follow guidance for households with possible or confirmed coronavirus (COVID-19) infection, and engage with the NHS Test and Trace process: Guidance for households with possible coronavirus infection - GOV.UK webpage
  • Not congregating around the entrance or exit if you are dropping-off or picking-up your child at the start and end of each day.  Please maintain a safe social distance from others during these periods. 
  • Following the national guidance on coronavirus, including regular hand washing, social distancing, use of face coverings and limiting the contact you have with people outside of your household. 

It is really important that you help nurseries, childminders, schools and colleges to implement these actions by following the advice.

Regular school attendance is essential for the educational, social and personal development of children and young people so thank you in advance for your support.