Pupils primed for classroom return
SCHOOLCHILDREN in Macclesfield will be back in the classroom this week and Cheshire East Council has written to parents to explain arrangements.
The letter says that as national restrictions have been lifted the plan is to gradually reduce previous safety measures in schools.
Education bosses have also spelled out other key messages in the letter.
These include that there will be no need for pupils to isolate if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
Secondary schools are planning to carry out two lateral flow device tests for every pupil in year 7 and above, three to five days apart, on their return in September.
Additional government funding that paid for extra school buses and taxis has now ended so these will no longer be in place.
Vaccinations are now available for young people aged 16 and 17.
And children aged 12 to 15 with underlying health conditions that put them at an increased risk or who live with a person who is immunosuppressed are now eligible for the vaccine.
But there will still be an emphasis on hygiene and ventilation, some one-way systems may be retained, start and finish times could still be staggered and face coverings are recommended on school transport.
Jacky Forster, council director of education and 14-19 skills, said: “We’ve been working closely with schools and colleges over the summer to finalise what measures need to be in place for the new academic year.
“I know that teachers, school and college staff are looking forward to welcoming children and young people back and I’d like to thank them for all their hard work in carefully planning and reviewing existing safety measures.
“Schools and colleges also have outbreak management plans describing what they would do if children or staff test positive for Covid-19, or how they would operate if they were advised to reintroduce any additional measures to help break chains of transmission.
“I appreciate that returning to school will be an anxious time for some pupils, I want to reassure parents and carers that support is available either via their child’s school or by contacting the council.”