Back To School And COVID-19

As schools return for the new academic year, after what has been recognised to be one of the most challenging and demanding years known to education institutions, we turn our attention to the ongoing implications of Covid-19 for schools on a day to day basis.

As Covid-19 becomes a virus that we must learn to live with, it is now imperative that we reduce the disruption to children and young people's education; with this in mind the Government through the DfE has worked closely with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and Public Health England (PHE) to revise and update the operational guidance for schools with effect from 17 August 2021, found here.

The headlines for schools are that face coverings are (at the time of writing) no longer advised for anyone in school, i.e. pupils, staff or visitors in either classrooms or communal areas; however, it is still recommended that they are used on all forms of school transport, both public and dedicated.