Safety first as children

School’s in for summer – and beyond – with health experts agreed pupils safely returning now to their studies is “positively” the right thing to do, vital for all children’s welfare, not just in terms of students’ future education but also mental and phys

SCHOOLS ACROSS England are preparing to welcome back pupils of all ages to classrooms in September.

The safety of children is at the heart of preparations with parents and guardians assured COVID-19 secure measures are all in place.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has issued a statement supporting #backtoschoolsafely campaign.

England’s chief medical officer Chris Whitty assured: “The risk of contracting COVID-19 in school is very small and it is far more damaging for a child’s development and their health and wellbeing to be away from school any longer.”

English secondary school head teachers now have “flexibility” to introduce face coverings following World Health Organization updated advice.

Public Health England Chief Nurse Viv Bennett confirmed: “Parents can be reassured, to maximise safety in schools, an extremely stringent system of controls has been advised by Public Health England, published in their guidance.”

A recent report from Public Health England showed, of more than one million children who attended pre-school and primary schools in England in June, just 70 children and 128 staff were infected in outbreaks of the virus. Most outbreaks detected had likely been caused by staff members, only two outbreaks thought to involve students infecting other students.

Return to school is mandatory except for students aged 16 and over. If they do not return, their

A recent report from Public Health England showed, of more than one million children who attended pre-school and primary schools in England in June, just 70 children and 128 staff were infected in outbreaks of the virus.

college may believe they have left the course. Most schools have stayed open for children of key workers throughout the pandemic with teachers now excited to see the rest of their pupils return.

Department of Education chiefs stress it is important for children to be in schools and nurseries as they remain best places for them to learn. All students should return to class, not just for their education, but for other positive aspects of their lives including sense of routine, mental health, overall wellbeing and mixing with their friends.

Public Health England reports prevalence of coronavirus has decreased since schools and colleges restricted their opening to most pupils in March.

NHS Test and Trace system is up and running with much more now understood about measures that need to be in place to create safer environments. Scientific

evidence confirms coronavirus presents much lower risk to children than adults of becoming severely ill. And there is no evidence youngsters transmit the disease any more than adults. This is also true for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic background pupils. Parents with any concerns are asked to contact respective schools directly.

Public Health England experts are clear that the risks of catching coronavirus are low if schools apply systems of control including regular hand-washing and cleaning measures, staggering break times and closely following

government guidance. Health bosses also advise schools and parents to ensure anyone displaying symptoms does not attend.

If there is an outbreak at a school, local health protection teams will work with education leaders to agree what action is needed. Usually, the school will not need to close fully and will have contingency plans in place so children’s education continues.

“Evidence so far indicates schools do not appear to be a primary driver of coronavirus infections in the community,” assured Mrs Bennett.

WARM WELCOME: Children will be socially distanced in the classroom.

SAFETY FIRST: Children will be encouraged to wash their hands.