Plans have been unveiled for all children and young people to return to full-time education from September. As Covid-19 infection rates continue to fall, current restrictions on group sizes will lift; therefore allowing schools, colleges and nurseries to fully reopen to all children and young people.

Covid-19 secure measures will remain in place to reduce the risk of transmission.

Schools will keep children in class or year group sized ‘bubbles’. They will also encourage older children to keep their distance where possible, both from each other and staff. This is alongside protective measures such as regular cleaning and handwashing.

The Public Health England local health protection team will advise on appropriate action for any positive cases in a school or college. This could include small groups of young people and staff self-isolating for up to 14 days. Confirming two or more cases in a two-week period could see a larger number having to self-isolate at home.

In the case of an outbreak in a school, the dispatch of a mobile testing unit may take place to test others. All staff, pupils and their families will continue to have access to testing if they develop Covid-19 symptoms. Schools will also receive easy to use home testing kits for children and staff.

Schools will be expected to have plans in place to offer remote education to pupils who are self-isolating.

Commenting is Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson. “I know these past three months have been some of the most challenging that schools have faced. What they have achieved to make sure that young people are kept safe and can continue to learn during this period is remarkable, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

“Nothing can replace being in the classroom, so ever since schools, colleges and nurseries closed to most children, we have been working hard to ensure they can reopen as soon as possible. We have already seen more than 1.5 million children and young people return, but we must make sure all pupils can go back to school in September.”

The guidance published today (2 July) provides schools, colleges and nurseries with details to plan for a full return.

It also reassures parents about what to expect for their children. The guidance has been developed in close consultation with the sector and medical experts from Public Health England.

Commenting is Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jenny Harries. “Thanks to the hard work of everyone, including our teachers and all school staff, there has been a decline in the rate of Covid-19 transmission in our communities.

“A child’s education is essential to their healthy development. We know that missing too much school can have a negative impact on children’s mental and physical wellbeing.

“However, although the number of Covid-19 cases has declined, it is still in general circulation. It is important we ensure schools implement sensible precaution to reduce potential transmission of Covid-19 and minimise any risk to teachers and their pupils.

Click here for the Department for Education’s latest school uniform guidance during Covid-19.