Following the collective efforts of the public to bring infection rates down, Step One of the roadmap begins today, with pupils across England returning to school and college.

Throughout the pandemic, the Prime Minister and Chief Medical Officer have highlighted the benefits that being in school brings to the physical and mental health of children and young people. Getting children back to face-to-face education has remained the national priority throughout lockdown.

Many secondary schools and colleges have already started inviting students for their first rapid lateral flow test. They have discretion on how to stagger the return of their students over the next week to facilitate testing and their safe return to the classroom.

After three initial tests on-site, students will receive two rapid tests to use each week at home.

Commenting is Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. “The reopening of schools marks a truly national effort to beat this virus. It is because of the determination of every person in this country that we can start moving closer to a sense of normality – and it is right that getting our young people back into the classroom is the first step.

“We are being cautious in our approach so that we do not undo the progress we have made so far. I urge you all not to give up on your efforts to keep your families and others safe. Get the vaccine, get tested, and remember that we are all in this together.

Rapid regular testing offers a reliable and effective additional tool to help keep schools safe.

To help find more Covid-19 cases and break chains of transmission, twice-weekly testing using lateral flow tests will be given for free to all adults in households with primary, secondary school and college-aged children and young people. This includes childcare and support bubbles. Twice-weekly testing will also be available to adults working in the wider school community, including bus drivers and after school club leaders.

Furthermore, secondary school and college students are being asked to wear face coverings wherever social distancing cannot be maintained as an additional safety measure through to Easter. Existing safety measures also remain in place. For example, maintaining distance between staff and students where possible, good ventilation and regular hand washing.