Guidance on Schools Reopening

13/05/2020

What is the Government saying about schools reopening?

From the week commencing 1 June, the Government is asking that;

Nurseries and other early year providers, including childminders, to begin welcoming back all children

Primary schools to welcome back children in nursery (where they have them), reception, year 1 and year 6

Secondary schools, sixth form, and further education colleges to begin some face to face support with year 10 and 12 pupils, although it does not expect these pupils to return on a full-time basis at this stage

All schools and childcare providers to continue to offer places to the priority groups – vulnerable children and children of critical workers – they have been supporting since the end of March

Special schools, special post-16 institutions and hospital schools to work towards a phased return of more children and young people without a focus on specific year groups and informed by risk assessments

Alternative provision to welcome back children in reception, year 1 and year 6 and begin some face to face support with year 10 and 11 pupils (as they have no year 12)

This approach aims to limit numbers within schools and further education settings while ensuring that the children and young people who can benefit from attending most are able to do so.

PACC is aware that many parent carers are concerned about returning their child to school.  The guidance does say that the Government “strongly encourages children and young people in the eligible year groups and priority groups (such as children of critical workers) to attend, as requested by their school or college, unless they are self-isolating or there are other reasons for absence (such as shielding due to health conditions).”

It does however confirm that at this time parents will not be fined for non-attendance, parents are asked however to notify their child’s school or college as normal if their child is unable to attend so that staff are aware and can discuss with them.

The full guidance can be read here