Hundreds of thousands of pupils across England will reunite with teachers and friends as schools and colleges start to open from today (Tuesday 1 September).
Following months of work to implement protective measures first set out in July, pupils will begin to return to classrooms for the autumn term.
Children will return to school environments with a ‘system of controls’ in place; with the aim of keeping all pupils, teachers and staff safe. This includes minimising direct contacts and maintaining social distancing wherever possible.
The new school term follows the unanimous backing for a full return from the Chief Medical Officers across the four nations of the UK.
Last week, the National Association of Head Teachers published survey findings highlighting 97% of schools plan to welcome all pupils full-time from the start of the autumn term. They will all have the range of recommended safety measures in place. The remaining 3 per cent will phase students back or use transition periods to reopen more widely.
Commenting is Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson. “For many, today marks the first day of a new school year, with thousands of children set to walk through their school gates again as schools across the country begin to reopen for full-time education for all pupils.
“I do not underestimate how challenging the last few months have been. But I do know how important it is for children to be back in school. Not only for their education, but for their development and wellbeing too.
“But it is down to the sheer hard work of so many teachers and school staff that from today pupils will be able to learn in their classrooms together again. It has not been easy for parents nor schools, but we could not have got to this point without your support and I cannot say thank you enough for this.”
The Education Secretary and Schools Minister have both been visiting schools ahead of the new term.
They have praised some of the innovative ways schools will be looking after children. For instance, the use of cleaning stations and staggered breaks. Also, keeping pupils in ‘bubbles’, social distancing and safety on transport.
It remains the government’s priority to continue to support schools, nurseries and colleges through the next few months; continually guided by the best possible science and medical advice.
Consistent with the latest Public Health England advice, strict hygiene and cleaning protocols will be in place. Plus, a one-off PPE supply boost being distributed to schools. This will be for use in the small number of instances where it is necessary.
All children will stay in groups or bubbles to reduce the risk of spreading infection.
Older children, in particular, should follow social distancing guidelines. There is also the requirement for face coverings in communal areas in secondary schools if a local lockdown is in place.
As the shielding advice for all adults and children was paused on 1 August, even the small number of pupils who remain on the shielded patient list can also return to school. This includes those who have family members who were shielding.
Finally, there is the recommendation that pupils walk or cycle to school where possible. However, the government is also providing an additional £40 million to local authorities to increase home to school transport; subsequently helping to ease pressure on public transport.
