 |
answer text |
<p>The government has made it a national priority to minimise disruption to education
so that nurseries, schools and colleges should continue to operate as normally as
possible during the COVID-19 outbreak. That is why bubbles are no longer recommended,
children no longer need to self-isolate if identified as a contact of a positive case,
schools are no longer expected to undertake contact tracing, and those 12 and over
are being offered the COVID-19 vaccine. As per the department’s guidance, schools
should keep good hygiene measures in place, keep spaces well ventilated and follow
public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases.</p><p>Operational
guidance for nurseries, schools and colleges provides further detail on the testing,
ventilation and hygiene measures that should be in place from the start of the autumn
term to manage transmission of COVID-19 on a day-to-day basis. The contingency framework
includes the additional measures that should be included in their contingency plans
in case they are advised to take extra steps because of a spike in infections, such
as increasing testing and face coverings.</p><p>The department has worked with Public
Health England to develop the new thresholds outlined in the contingency framework.
These are designed to help nurseries, schools and colleges identify when it might
be sensible to seek public health advice. It is advised to take extra action if the
number of positive cases substantially increases. Where thresholds are reached, nurseries,
schools and colleges should consider reinforcing the measures they already have in
place and may consider seeking further public health advice, if concerned.</p><p>Face
coverings are no longer recommended in nurseries, schools and colleges but it is expected
and recommended that these are worn when travelling on public or dedicated transport.
The department’s guidance does not create any legal obligations on pupils, students
and staff. Nurseries, schools and colleges should continue to conduct risk assessments
for their particular circumstances and take appropriate action in line with the control
measures.</p>
|
|
