‘Bubble’ plans for pupils’ return
WHOLE SCHOOLS or entire year groups could be ordered to self-isolate if coronavirus outbreaks are detected once pupils return to class in Calderdale in September.
Schools in England have been told to keep children in class or year-sized “bubbles” and avoid creating “busy corridors” when all pupils return in an effort to limit the spread of the virus.
Government guidance on how to get all children back after the summer break – following up to six months at home – suggests older pupils should be encouraged to be kept away from other groups of students and staff.
It warns that health protection teams could order the whole school, or all pupils in a year group, to self-isolate at home if schools have two or more confirmed coronavirus cases within a fortnight, the advice says.
But the guidance insists school closures “may not be necessary” if there are a number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 on site if schools implement the recommended controls.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told the Commons that limits on group sizes will be lifted in nurseries, childminders and early years providers in England from July 20 so more children can attend in the summer holidays.
At a Downing Street press conference later, he said he wanted breakfast and afterschool clubs to resume despite coronavirus guidance aimed at preventing children from different year groups mixing.
He said: “We recognise how vital these breakfast clubs are, the wraparound care and provision are, for children, for parents, for families and whole communities.
“We want to see these opening alongside the full opening of schools in September and we are also going to be ensuring that the many activities that often take place on school premises during the summer holidays are going to be taking place.”
“We have been sharing that guidance with schools so they can benefit from that.”