Returning to School: The First Week Back
This week, pupils in England are returning to school and college or university. This is part of the roadmap for leaving lockdown in the UK. For many parents, this may be a confusing and worrying time. The government has stated that schools are opening first as students’ risk of catching and spreading Covid-19 is lower than the adult population.
The government has said that attendance is compulsory, and fines will be issued for non-attendance. Therefore, all pupils must attend unless they are shielding. If you’re confused about what returning to school will look like over the next couple of weeks, click here for more help.
What are the rules for returning to school?
The first stage
The majority of pupils in primary and secondary schools returned yesterday unless they are shielding.
Secondary school pupils will be tested three times in the first two weeks of return and will then be given two lateral flow tests to use weekly at home.
Please note your child’s school may opt for a ‘staggered start’, meaning not all pupils will return at the same time.
Rules for parents
Parents will not be allowed in schools at any time unless there is an emergency. Your school will have a procedure in place if this is the case. Please contact your school for more information. Your child’s school will set out its own guidelines.
You will be encouraged not to congregate with other parents during drop-off and pick-up.
If your child displays symptoms
If children develop symptoms at school, they will be immediately isolated, and parents are notified to come and collect them.
Parents must then isolate and follow expectations as per government guidelines, including carrying out a test.
If you or another family member displays symptoms
If you or a family member becomes ill, you must inform the school of the current situation so that the child’s class had been in contact.
Who will be tested?
All primary and secondary school staff will be offered tests twice weekly. People in the household, childcare bubble or support bubble team can also get a twice-weekly test. Primary school children will not have to have a COVID test.
Does my child have to wear a face-covering at school?
Secondary pupils will also be required to wear masks indoors, including during class. But, primary school children will not have to wear face-covering at school. Teachers and other staff members will be encouraged to do so.
Changes to the school environment:
There will be various changes in each school, as each school will have its own guidelines.
However, here’s what your child may expect when returning to school.
- Children will be grouped in bubbles — this may be the size of a class or year group.
- Assemblies, performances, gathering are cancelled for the foreseeable future.
- Children will use the same desk and resources every day.
- Lunchtimes and playtimes will be staggered and reduced to minimise contact with others.
School hygiene and facilities:
Each school will be following a specific guideline. If your school has not sent over how they will be implementing hygiene to battle the virus. Please contact your school as soon as possible.
Most schools will generally follow the guideline below:
- Children will regularly be washing hands throughout the day, following the 20-second rule.
- Hand sanitiser will be used after toilet use as well as washing hands.
- Extra Signs in the toilets will reinforce the correct procedure for children when washing hands.
- Resources will be rotated and left to de-contaminate for 3 or 4 days after cleaning to reduce indirect transmission risk.
- Schools will be thoroughly and professionally cleaned at the end of every day.
Catching-up after returning to school
Many parents will admit that full-time remote learning was far from ideal for their child. After months of disruption, the focus now is helping them to catch-up and fill the gaps in their education.
The government has officially promised that £1.7bn to help pupils in England catch up. This will include a £720m package, funding for secondary summer schools, and expansion of the National Tutoring Programme, offering one-to-one tuition.
What about exams?
In England, teachers’ estimated grades will be used for all exams. Schools will use mock exams, coursework, and essays when deciding what grade to award. But, some schools may choose to abandon this altogether.
Primary school SATs will also not be going ahead this year, nor will phonics or timetable testing.
Teachers’ grades will also be used to replace written vocational exams. However, some practical exams will continue if they can be held in a Covid-safe way; please contact your school to find out how.
Looking after your mental health
Students, parents, carers and teachers are all likely to be feeling anxious about returning to nursery, school or college. Below you can find resources to help with this.
Resources for children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing:
We have created a list of some online resources that may be helpful to your child:
