How children in Europe are returning to classes

GERMANY

The reopening of schools after the holidays is being staggered state by state. Mecklenburg- West Pomerania was the first to welcome children back but two of its schools closed last week after a teacher and pupil tested positive for Covid-19. Officials said it was precautionary and there was no evidence that the infection had spread. Students in the state are divided into age-group bubbles. Masks must be worn in corridors.

FRANCE

Attendance for primary and some secondary school children became mandatory for the last two weeks of June after previously being voluntary. The Ministry of National Education says nothing will prevent schools returning after the summer holidays. Pupils aged 11 and over must wear masks, but social distancing will no longer be compulsory when it is ‘not materially possible or does not accommodate all of the students’.

DENMARK

Schools began reopening in April – thanks to Denmark’s low death rate – with staggered arrival times, no assemblies, smaller classes and lessons are held outside if possible.

BELGIUM

School for the under-12s will continue even in a second wave, while older pupils will attend school for four days each week, with a halfday of virtual teaching.

NORWAY

Schools reopened in April with a ‘ traffic light’ system – green means schools will have everyday hours, yellow means some social distancing measures, and red reduces the number of children per classroom.