Schools and colleges to re-open in full from September
Schools and colleges to re-open in full from September, says Gavin Williamson. - Credit: Archant
Children must be back at school from September – with social bubbles to keep year groups separate and the supply of home testing kits.
Gavin Williamson told MPs this morning (July 2) that “education recovery is critical for this generation” of school children.
The Education Secretary said the Government is working to ensure all pupils can return to schools and colleges full-time in September, noting: “With Covid-secure measures in place so they have the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their full potential.”
Mr Williamson said schools will continue minimising contact between children, including through grouping them in “bubbles” and encouraging older children to distance.
He continued: “As a minimum, this will mean keeping whole year groups in schools and colleges separate.
“This is in addition to the other protective measures we know are so important for infection control, such as regular cleaning and hand washing.”
The Government will also provide all schools and colleges with a small number of home testing kits.
Most Read
- 1 EastEnders star Adam Woodyatt ‘to work at restaurant in Cambridgeshire’
- 2 MBR Acres releases image of graffiti message
- 3 Pictures show dramatic skies over Huntingdonshire and the Fens
- 4 Iceland offers over 60s discount on shopping bill every week
- 5 Huntingdon thief jailed after stealing watch, iPod and iPhone from vehicles
- 6 Superintendent dons rainbow helmet against hate crime on #IDAHOBIT
- 7 Silent protest at Camp Beagle as vans leave the site
- 8 Food delivery robots taking to streets of Cambridgeshire
- 9 Work starts on affordable 56-home development in Huntingdon
- 10 Newly elected mayor and deputy mayor of St Neots announced
These will be taken home by children or staff who develop symptoms while on site but who would struggle to access a testing centre.
“All schools will have direct access to support and advice from their local Public Health England health protection team to deal with any cases that may occur. They will be advised on what steps need to be taken,” Mr Williamson added.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Do you feel confident about letting your children return to school? Do you think the new safety measures will work? Email: clare.butler@archant.co.uk.