After the Prime Minister announced that aphased return to schools would startno earlier than June 1, parenting WhatsApp groups have been alight with members debating whether they’ll send their children back, if they have to – and how it’ll be made safe.
The government has set out its plans in a number of documents, so here’s everything we know.
When will schools reopen?
Schools will open to nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6, on 1 June at the earliest. Secondary schools, sixth forms and colleges will also work towards the possibility of providing some face-to-face contact with young people in Year 10 and Year 12. However, the government cautions 1 June isn’t set in stone. ‘Progress will be monitored every day,’ says the Department of Education. ‘If the virus stays on the downward slope, and the R remains below 1, then – and only then – will it become safe to go further, move to the second step and reopen schools.’
If nurseries can reopen, what about childminders?
Childminders will also be allowed to look after children of any age, in line with their current Ofsted registration from 1 June.
Will other school years go back to school before summer holidays?
The aim is for other primary years to return later in June, but this will be kept under review, and there are currently no plans to reopen secondary schools for other year groups before the summer holidays.
Priority groups, including vulnerable children and children of critical workers who have been eligible to attend throughout school closures, will continue to be able to attend schools, colleges and early years settings as they are currently.
Why have the government chosen those years?
The government says nursery, reception and Year1 and 6 are ‘key transition years’. And that Year 10 and 12 need to see teachers to help them prepare for exams next year.
Should I still homeschool my child if they’re not one of the years going back?
A spokesperson for the Department for Education says: ‘Other secondary school aged pupils and college students should continue to learn at home, with schools and colleges continuing to deliver their own remote education while making use of other high-quality resources, such as Oak National Academy and the BBC, where appropriate.’
What protective measures does the government say there will be in schools?
The government says it has set out a range of measures including:
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carrying out a risk assessment before opening to more children and young people - the assessment should directly address risks associated with coronavirus so that sensible measures can be put in place to minimise those risks for children, young people and staff
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making sure that children and young people do not attend if they or a member of their household has symptoms of coronavirus
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promoting regular hand washing for 20 seconds with running water and soap or use of sanitiser and ensuring good respiratory hygiene by promoting the catch it, bin it, kill it approach
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cleaning more frequently to get rid of the virus on frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles, handrails, tabletops, play equipment and toys
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minimising contact through smaller classes or group sizes and altering the environment as much as possible, such as changing the layout of classrooms
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reducing mixing between groups through timetable changes, such as staggered break times or by introducing staggered drop-off and collection times
Will I get fined if I don’t send my child to school?
No – but the government does say: ‘Whilst there will be no penalty for families who do not send their children to school, families will be strongly encouraged to take up these places - unless the child or a family member is shielding or the child is particularly vulnerable due to an underlying condition.’
Why is it safe for children to go to school, if adults can’t go to work?
A spokesperson says: ‘The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies advising the Government has a high degree of confidence that the severity of the disease in children is lower than in adults and a moderately high degree of confidence that children aged up to 11 are less susceptible to it.’
They also add that the latest scientific advice to government is that:
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there is high scientific confidence that children of all ages have less severe symptoms than adults if they contract coronavirus and there is moderately high scientific confidence that younger children are less likely to become unwell if infected with coronavirus
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limiting the numbers of children going back to school and college initially then gradually increasing numbers, guided by scientific advice, reduces risk of increasing the rate of transmission
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schools and other settings can make changes to how they are organised and put measures in place to reduce risks.
Can people who are shielding, stay at home?
The Department for Education says teachers in shielding and high-risk groups should remain at home.
Children and young people who are considered extremely clinically vulnerable and shielding should continue to shield and should not be expected to attend.
Clinically vulnerable (but not extremely clinically vulnerable) people are those considered to be at a higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus. A minority of children will fall into this category, and parents should follow medical advice if their child is in this category.
Children and young people who live in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable and shielding should only attend if stringent social distancing can be adhered to and the child or young person is able to understand and follow those instructions.
Children and young people who live with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not extremely clinically vulnerable) as defined in the social distancing guidance and including those who are pregnant, can attend.
Will there be more testing of staff and pupils?
The government says: ‘All staff are already eligible for testing, and staff in shielding and high-risk groups should remain at home. From 1 June, all children and young people eligible to return to their settings will have access to testing, if they display symptoms, as will any symptomatic member(s) of their household.
‘This will enable children and staff to get back to school if they test negative, and if they test positive a test and trace approach can be taken. Where a setting has a positive case, Public Health England will advise on the appropriate course of action, and the relevant group of people with whom the individual has mixed closely, should be sent home and advised to self-isolate for 14 days.’
How should children get to school?
Children, young people and parents are encouraged to walk or cycle where possible and avoid public transport at peak times. The government will shortly publish guidance on how to travel safely, which schools, parents and young people can refer to when planning their travel, particularly if public transport is required.
Will teachers and pupils have to wear face masks and PPE?
The government says not - it also says PPE is not required unless of very exceptional circumstances.
In information to schools, it says: 'Wearing a face covering or face mask in schools or other education settings is not recommended. Face coverings may be beneficial for short periods indoors where there is a risk of close social contact with people you do not usually meet and where social distancing and other measures cannot be maintained, for example on public transport or in some shops.
'This does not apply to schools or other education settings. Schools and other education or childcare settings should therefore not require staff, children and learners to wear face coverings.
'Changing habits, cleaning and hygiene are effective measures in controlling the spread of the virus. Face coverings (or any form of medical mask where instructed to be used for specific clinical reasons) should not be worn in any circumstance by those who may not be able to handle them as directed (for example, young children, or those with special educational needs or disabilities) as it may inadvertently increase the risk of transmission.'
Where can I go for more information?
The government has directed people to this page, titled, Opening schools and educational settings to more pupils from 1 June: guidance for parents and carers
This document lays out how schools are expected to implement protective measures.
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