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<p>Keeping schools and colleges open is one of the Government’s highest priorities.
Being at school is vital for the education of children, and for their wellbeing. Time
spent out of school is detrimental to the cognitive and academic development of children,
particularly for disadvantaged children. It continues to be the Department’s aim that
all pupils, in all year groups, remain in school full-time.</p><p>Those who have COVID-19
symptoms, or have someone in their household who does, must not attend school. All
staff and students who are attending a school or college have access to a test if
they display symptoms of COVID-19 and are encouraged to get tested. Guidance on how
schools should respond to COVID-19 cases is available through the following link:
<a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-schools-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak/guidance-for-full-opening-schools</a>.</p><p>Testing
capacity is the highest it has ever been. The UK’s daily COVID-19 testing capacity
passed the 500,000 mark on 31 October and continues to expand. In order to support
schools further, the Department is also supplying COVID-19 test kits directly to them
for both staff and students who develop the symptoms of COVID-19 and face significant
barriers to accessing a test through existing routes.</p><p>Schools are playing a
vital role in supporting the test and trace system. Where someone who has attended
tests positive for COVID-19, schools are taking swift action to send home close contacts
of the positive case, advising them to self-isolate for 14 days since they were last
in close contact with that person when they were infectious. There is a dedicated
advice line to help schools, colleges or early years settings to implement the most
appropriate public health measures once a case is confirmed. If, following triage,
further expert advice is required, the adviser will escalate the school’s call to
the Public Health England local health protection team.</p><p>The Government is committed
to introducing mass asymptomatic testing using new technologies to minimise the risk
of infection spread in our communities, and pilots are already underway for using
them in schools and colleges. Establishing this testing capability will enable students
to continue their studies safely, and ensure staff are able to continue to deliver
education and support.</p>
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