TAKE THE TEST

Parents asked to follow Government guidance ahead of schools’ return for new term with pupils urged to have two lateral flow checks per week

EDUCATION chiefs in the North East have urged families to follow government coronavirus guidance when they return to school next week.

Schools across the region have been gearing up for lessons to restart with plans for mass testing of pupils ahead of term.

But while many measures which were standard practice last year are expected to be scrapped, bosses are calling for vigilance against anything which could cause further Covid outbreaks to take hold.

Mark Patton, assistant director of education and skills at Newcastle City Council, said: “Schools across the city are looking forward to welcoming children and young people back into the classroom.

“With measures such as bubbles no longer in place, things will hopefully feel a little more back to normal this term but people can be reassured that the safety of pupils, staff and their families remains a priority.

“Schools will continue to take some precautionary steps, including extra cleaning, hygiene, ventilation and testing and families are advised to check their school website to ensure they are aware of their individual arrangements.”

Most pupils are expected to return to classrooms from next Monday.

Secondary schools are expected to open ahead of this date, however, so that staff and students can complete the two on-site lateral flow tests recommended by the Government.

Following this, anyone attending school will also be asked to complete two lateral flow tests a week at home.

The measure is voluntary and will not apply to children in primary schools, but families have been urged to stick to the guidelines until the end of September, when they are scheduled to be revised by ministers.

Amanda Healy, director of public health at Durham County Council, said: “We would encourage parents to take up this offer and to continue to test twice weekly at home.

“This will help to identify any pupils who may have the virus without realising and helps to prevent it spreading. It is vital, however, that anyone who tests positive following a lateral flow test, or develops symptoms of the virus, should stay at home and book a PCR test as soon as possible.

“Applying simple control measures such as hands, face, space, fresh air, will also help to prevent the spread of the virus.

“And, it is worth reminding any student aged 16 or over, that they can now be vaccinated.

“Encouraging all those who are eligible for a vaccine to take up the offer will help to prevent people from becoming seriously ill with coronavirus.”

Bosses in Gateshead have reminded the public that up to a third of people can carry the virus without displaying symptoms and added that measures across the borough would be “specific to each school’s circumstances”.

South Tyneside Council has emphasised the need for youngsters to “experience as much normality and stability in their settings as possible” and that following the guidance would be key to this.

David Street, deputy director of education at Northumberland County Council, added: “Schools have always been and will continue to be a reflection of their local community – what’s happening in the schools will be a reflection of what’s happening across all of Northumberland communities.

“Schools have responsibility for health and safety, they have a responsibility to ensure that if there was an outbreak of [something other than coronavirus that they] take steps and that will be the same going forward.”