Latest guidance for how schools must operate against coronavirus

Gone are the days when Covid meant no singing, no sports day and parents unable to visit their children’s schools.

The 2022-23 school term looks likely to be free from most of the restrictions children and staff have endured for the last two years, which have included face masks for secondary school pupils.

But there are still some measures schools are recommended to have in place to reduce spread of the virus.

So, what are the remaining Covid restrictions in schools in Scotland for the 2022-23 academic year?

We set out recommendations, what schools can now do that they couldn’t do before, and some of the restrictions now scrapped.

Guidance published in May remains in force and encourages continuation of good practice developed during the pandemic.

It recommends that:

● Schools encourage staff to ensure they are fully vaccinated;

● Children stay at home if they are unwell and have a high temperature (they can attend with a runny nose, sore throat or slight cough if otherwise well);

● Schools continue to help children with good hand hygiene;

● Regular surface cleaning continues in schools and on school transport;

● All schools have access to CO2 monitors;

● Face coverings are encouraged but not required in indoor communal areas for staff and secondary pupils;

On what the guidance recommends is now permitted, this includes:

● Run trips, including residential stays;

● Hold assemblies;

● Welcome visitors, including visiting teachers and parents;

● Allow parents and others in school grounds and buildings, including for sports days, performances, etc.

● Host events including parents’ nights and parent council meetings

Gone is the need for twice-weekly testing for secondary pupils and staff; restrictions on PE, drama, music and dance; one-way systems; staggered lunch, break, pick-up and drop-off times; class “bubbles”.

The Scottish Government guidance views good ventilation as a key method of reducing the risk of Covid transmission.

It recommended that councils move towards provision of CO2 monitors for every classroom or space to identify when more fresh air is needed.

Opening windows, doors and vents remains, the guidance says, the main method of increasing natural ventilation.