From Monday, pupils who haven’t been able to attend school in person during lockdown will start returning to school.

If you have children at school, the school will already have been on contact to explain the arrangements. You can read the standard letter here. However each school is working differently, based on their own circumstances and risk assessments.

You can read the government’s step-by-step plan to ease restrictions in England, including the return of schools, here. All children will once again be expected to attend school, as they were in the autumn term.

In addition to the already established rapid testing (lateral flow testing) regime and regular testing of staff, there will be twice-weekly testing of secondary school and college pupils, initially with on-site testing and then home testing. Primary school children will not be required to test regularly. Of course, if they have symptoms, they need to stay home and you should book a test for them online here or by calling 119.

Unless exempt, students in secondary schools and colleges will be strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in all communal areas and in the classroom, unless two metre social distancing can be maintained.

Families and households with primary school, secondary school or college-age children, including childcare and support bubbles, are encouraged to test themselves twice every week from home. Regular testing for those without symptoms will help keep you, your family, and your school community safe.

South Glos are working hard to provide kits for collection from sites in the community. Information on local collection points will be shared once available. For now, rapid home testing kits can be booked for home delivery here. 

Remember that anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 – a new, continuous cough, high temperature or a loss or change to their sense of taste or smell – should isolate and book a test here or by calling 119.

South Glos have produced videos and support materials to help you and your family understand what you need to do and guide you through some of these changes. You can access these resources and read further information about the return to school on their website. You can take a look at some of their videos through the links below. 

• Watch a local primary headteacher guide you around their school to explain the extra measures in place and help prepare you and your child here.
• Hear from teachers and a parent about how they are feeling about the return to school, to reassure you if you or your child feels anxious here.
• See what taking a Covid-19 test at your secondary school or college is like here.