What Are the Covid-19 Rules for Going Back to School?
Students in Nailsea can enjoy greater freedom and reduced disruption to their education in September, as Covid rules in schools relax across the UK.
The recent relaxation of Covid-19 regulations has spread to schools. According to the latest government guidance, students will not have to separate into bubbles or wear masks but should still keep up with hygiene measures and regular testing. It is hoped that the new term will bring a bit of normality back to school life. Below, we explain the key changes, so you know what to do when September dawns.
[All information correct at time of writing – 17/08/2021]For the latest updates on local Covid-19 measures and announcements, view our coronavirus news articles.
Be sure to check the rules for your childrens’ schools before school starts again. Find a list of Nailsea schools, nurseries and preschools on our schools page.
New Covid Rules for Schools in Nailsea from September
No More Bubbles
The school year 2021/2022 will see the end of school ‘bubbles’. This means children won’t have to be taught in the same group across all their subjects, and assemblies can resume. Staggered start and finish times will no longer be necessary, and students will be allowed to mix and interact freely with their peers at lunch and break times.
Reduced Isolation
In September, students under the age of 18 won’t have to isolate if they are contacted by NHS Test and Trace and named as a close contact with a positive case of Covid-19. Instead, they will be advised to take a PCR test. So long as they get a negative result, the student can continue to attend school as normal. This will reduce the amount of disruption a Coronavirus outbreak can cause.
Face Coverings
Face coverings are not required in many places these days and schools are no different. In classrooms and other communal areas across school buildings and grounds, masks don’t need to be worn. However, it’s still a good idea to encourage your child to wear their mask on public and dedicated school transport, or any other place that might be crowded.
Hygiene Measures
Though restrictions have eased, good hygiene remains important to prevent the spread of Covid-19 – and other viruses too! Students will be encouraged to wash and sanitise their hands regularly as before. As well as this, children that experience symptoms will be told not come into school, but stay at home and take a test. If a child develops symptoms during the school day, they will need to be collected by a family member alongside any siblings.
Regular Testing
One thing that won’t change this school year is regular testing. Even if your child shows no symptoms, their school will expect them to take twice weekly lateral flow tests at home to catch a Covid-19 outbreak early. If, for whatever reason, your child can’t take a test at home, there will be lateral flow tests available in school as well.
The first week of the new school year will see the whole student body take two on-site tests three to five days apart – the first of these might be before the official first day, so make sure you check! These tests will be staggered over the first week of the term to manage the number of students.
At the end of September, the testing programme will be reviewed nationally, and parents will be advised of any changes.
Exams Return
2022 is expected to see the return of GCSEs, A-Levels and other qualifications. To make sure no student is at a disadvantage due to the disruption caused by the pandemic, topics will likely be revealed in advance. The exact arrangements will be confirmed closer to the time.
For more information about what to expect in September, read the latest Covid-19 guidance for schools.