All Schools to Fully Reopen This September
Get ready, parents! Detailed plans have been revealed for all children and young people to return to full-time education from September. The government is lifting restrictions on group sizes, meaning schools, colleges, and nurseries will fully reopen as Covid-19 cases continue to drop.
Strict Safety Measures Stay in Place
Although schools are reopening, they won’t be business as usual. Covid-19 safety measures will remain to keep transmission low. Pupils will be kept in class or year group ‘bubbles’, and older children will be encouraged to keep their distance from staff and each other where possible. Regular handwashing and cleaning routines will continue.
If a positive case is detected, local health teams will step in. A few pupils or staff might have to self-isolate for up to 14 days, and if there are multiple cases, a wider group could be asked to stay home as a precaution. Mobile testing units will be deployed to schools to quickly test contacts, starting with the affected class before expanding if needed.
Home Testing and Remote Learning Ready to Roll
- Staff, pupils, and families with symptoms can access testing easily.
- Schools will get home test kits for children and staff who can’t access testing otherwise.
- Remote education plans must be ready for those self-isolating.
Early years providers, including nurseries and childminders, will see group size limits lifted from 20 July, boosting capacity ahead of the new term.
Government and Experts Back Full Return
“Nothing can replace being in the classroom,” Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said. “We’ve worked hard to get schools reopening safely. Over 1.5 million children have already returned, but we’re pushing for all pupils to be back in September.”
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jenny Harries added: “Thanks to everyone’s hard work, Covid transmission rates are down. Children’s education is vital—and while we know risks to kids are low, sensible precautions remain essential.”
Attendance will be mandatory from the new term, with schools tasked to deliver a full, broad curriculum to help pupils catch up on missed learning.
The government is pumping £1 billion into a Covid catch-up fund on top of the £14 billion investment over the next three years. Exams are set for 2021, with Ofqual consulting on fair arrangements, while Ofsted plans school visits this autumn and inspections restart in January.
What Schools Must Do
- Keep pupils in class or year group bubbles.
- Staff to keep distance from each other and older pupils.
- Clean frequently and reduce shared items.
- Minimise corridor mixing.
- Tailor policies based on risk assessments to ensure safe, quality learning.
Separate guidance exists for special schools to make sure all children get a safe return.
