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<p>The government is committed to ensuring that students who wish to return home for
the winter break, are able to do so. It is essential that measures are put in place
to ensure this can happen as safely as possible for students, staff and the communities
that they return to.</p><p>On 11 November, the department published guidance for providers
on the plans for the end of the autumn term, available at: <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses/student-movement-and-plans-for-the-end-of-autumn-2020-term#specific-support-for-students"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses/student-movement-and-plans-for-the-end-of-autumn-2020-term#specific-support-for-students</a>.</p><p>As
outlined in the guidance, we expect higher education (HE) providers to support students
to return home following the period of national restrictions, whilst mitigating the
risk of transmission of the virus. We are asking that students return home once the
national restrictions have been lifted, in a “student travel window” lasting from
3-9 December. This should be in line with specific arrangements put in place by their
HE provider, which should include a staggered end to face-to-face provision, with
learning being moved online by 9 December.</p><p>We are also working closely with
universities and the Department for Health and Social Care to roll out mass testing
for students and we will offer this to as many students as possible before they travel
home, targeting this in areas of high prevalence of COVID-19. This will help to provide
further confidence that students can leave safely if they test negative. If a student
tests positive before their departure, they will need to remain in self-isolation,
following the relevant guidance. Moving all learning online by 9 December allows enough
time for students to complete the isolation period before returning home for Christmas.</p>
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