From Monday 8 March, schools, colleges and practical university courses will reopen for face-to-face education in England.

The Council is working closely with schools, health and safety teams and transport providers to support them to have the correct measures in place to make this return as safe as possible.

To try and identify any asymptomatic COVID cases, all secondary pupils and college students will be offered lateral flow or 'rapid' testing from 8 March, and those who test positive will be advised to isolate in line with government guidance and return to school following their isolation period.  

There will be twice-weekly rapid COVID testing available for school staff and for the households, support and childcare bubbles of those with school age children. You can find out more about whether you are eligible for twice-weekly testing on the Government website.

Rapid testing is only for people without symptoms. Anyone who has one of the three main symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) should stay at home with those they live with and request a PCR (lab test) through the national GOV.UK website, or by calling 119.

If any of the following applies, children should not come to school and should follow national guidance and self-isolate at home:

  • If a child has symptoms and are waiting to take a test or receive a result
  • Someone in their household is waiting to take a test or receive a result
  • Has a positive test result or lives with someone who has a positive test result

Please visit the Government website for all the information on COVID guidelines and the reopening of educational settings in England.

Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said:

It’s extremely welcome news that we can begin to get our children back to school. Face-to -ace education is vital to the development and wellbeing of our young people.

It is, however, understandable that the return will likely cause some anxiety for everyone who is affected by the reopening of schools. This is completely natural, and our best option is to work together and support each other.

We should be patient with each other, and remember the challenges that our teachers, parents and pupils have faced during this time. It has been difficult for everyone involved, and we should try to be understanding and considerate.

It is also important to remember that although COVID-19 cases falling, the virus is still in circulation in our communities. Our best method of defence is through following the public health guidance: keeping our distance, washing our hands, and by wearing face coverings if you are able. We can all work together to do the right thing for Derby