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Coronavirus: What will schools do if children get coronavirus? Coronavirus: What will schools do if children get coronavirus?
(about 5 hours later)
As children begin the autumn term, schools are adopting measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus.As children begin the autumn term, schools are adopting measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
How will the return to classes work in England and what happens if there is an outbreak?How will the return to classes work in England and what happens if there is an outbreak?
Are pupils allowed to hug?
The challenges in getting young children to socially distance are recognised in guidance to schools.
In England, "bubbles" - small groups the children will mix in - are encouraged, to balance the fact that they are unlikely to stay 2m apart.
In Wales and Scotland, pupils are exempt from the 2m distancing rule "because it is harder for children to understand the concept of physical distancing".
Older children, such as those in secondary schools, are being encouraged to avoid touching one another as much as possible.
However, in England and Wales handshakes or hugs aren't directly advised against.
In Scotland, the guidance actively discourages any social physical contact, including hugs and handshakes.
Will children have to wear face coverings?
Aside from local lockdown areas, head teachers in any secondary school in England will have the "flexibility" to introduce masks.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, secondary pupils will have to wear face coverings from 31 August.
In Wales, it will be up to local councils and schools to decide.
What measures should schools be following?What measures should schools be following?
All schools and colleges are expected to reopen.All schools and colleges are expected to reopen.
Schools have gone to ''enormous effort'' over the summer to make themselves safe, says schools minister Nick Gibb.Schools have gone to ''enormous effort'' over the summer to make themselves safe, says schools minister Nick Gibb.
Measures include the introduction of hand sanitiser stations, one-way systems and staggered break times.Measures include the introduction of hand sanitiser stations, one-way systems and staggered break times.
Some rules must be followed in all schools, all the time:Some rules must be followed in all schools, all the time:
Social distancing should be maintained wherever possible.Social distancing should be maintained wherever possible.
What happens if there's a coronavirus outbreak?What happens if there's a coronavirus outbreak?
A school is said to have a coronavirus outbreak if there are two or more confirmed cases within 14 days, or a there is a rise in the number of children off with suspected Covid-19.A school is said to have a coronavirus outbreak if there are two or more confirmed cases within 14 days, or a there is a rise in the number of children off with suspected Covid-19.
If this happens, the school must work with local health protection teams.If this happens, the school must work with local health protection teams.
If an outbreak in a school is confirmed, a mobile testing unit may be sent. Testing will start with the infected pupil's class, followed by their year group, then the whole school if necessary.If an outbreak in a school is confirmed, a mobile testing unit may be sent. Testing will start with the infected pupil's class, followed by their year group, then the whole school if necessary.
In some cases, a larger number of pupils - for instance, a year group - may have to self-isolate at home as a precaution.In some cases, a larger number of pupils - for instance, a year group - may have to self-isolate at home as a precaution.
Closing a school will ''not generally be necessary'', the government says.Closing a school will ''not generally be necessary'', the government says.
If pupils can't come in, schools are expected to have a home-working plan ready to go.If pupils can't come in, schools are expected to have a home-working plan ready to go.
Teachers' unions have suggested schools need more support. NASUWT said schools need resources to cope with any disruption, including support for remote learning and cover for staff self-isolating.Teachers' unions have suggested schools need more support. NASUWT said schools need resources to cope with any disruption, including support for remote learning and cover for staff self-isolating.
What about schools in local lockdown areas?What about schools in local lockdown areas?
If there is a change in the number of coronavirus cases in an area, schools will use a four-stage tier system of extra measures.If there is a change in the number of coronavirus cases in an area, schools will use a four-stage tier system of extra measures.
Tier 1: Schools fully open to all pupils, face coverings required in corridors and communal areas for staff and students Year 7 and aboveTier 1: Schools fully open to all pupils, face coverings required in corridors and communal areas for staff and students Year 7 and above
Tier 2: A rota system - ideally two weeks on, two weeks off - will be used by secondary schools and colleges for most pupils, and primary schools stay openTier 2: A rota system - ideally two weeks on, two weeks off - will be used by secondary schools and colleges for most pupils, and primary schools stay open
Tier 3 and 4: ''Wider groups of pupils'' go back to remote learning at home, while vulnerable and key worker children continue to go to schoolTier 3 and 4: ''Wider groups of pupils'' go back to remote learning at home, while vulnerable and key worker children continue to go to school
These measures will be applied as ''an absolute last resort,'' the government says. Areas where local lockdowns are currently in operation, are in tier 1.These measures will be applied as ''an absolute last resort,'' the government says. Areas where local lockdowns are currently in operation, are in tier 1.
Will children have to wear face coverings?
Aside from local lockdown areas, head teachers in any secondary school in England will have the "flexibility" to introduce masks.
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, secondary pupils will have to wear face coverings from 31 August.
In Wales, it will be up to local councils and schools to decide.
Do I have to send my child back?Do I have to send my child back?
Children must return for the autumn term, unless they - or a close contact - develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus.Children must return for the autumn term, unless they - or a close contact - develop symptoms or test positive for coronavirus.
Head teachers can follow up pupils' absences and issue sanctions, including possible fines.Head teachers can follow up pupils' absences and issue sanctions, including possible fines.
Shielding has been paused, but at times some children may shield for longer because of higher local rates of coronavirus.Shielding has been paused, but at times some children may shield for longer because of higher local rates of coronavirus.
Separate guidance has been published for England,Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.Separate guidance has been published for England,Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
How will the school day work?How will the school day work?
Schools are expected to teach a broad and balanced curriculum but the school day may look different to previous years.Schools are expected to teach a broad and balanced curriculum but the school day may look different to previous years.
They are being asked to:They are being asked to:
What about getting to school?What about getting to school?
Walking or cycling will be encouraged. Parents should not gather in groups at school gates, or go on site without an appointment.Walking or cycling will be encouraged. Parents should not gather in groups at school gates, or go on site without an appointment.
Dedicated school transport services will be asked to:Dedicated school transport services will be asked to:
Schools will also need a process for staff and pupils to remove face coverings safely on arrival.Schools will also need a process for staff and pupils to remove face coverings safely on arrival.
If possible, breakfast and after-school clubs should resume, with children staying within their year groups or bubbles if possible, and if not, in "small, consistent groups".If possible, breakfast and after-school clubs should resume, with children staying within their year groups or bubbles if possible, and if not, in "small, consistent groups".