Speaking in the House of Commons today, Gavin Williamson confirmed that children under the age of 18 will no longer have to self-isolate if they come into contact with a Covid positive case from next month.
Mr Williamson confirmed that the use of ‘bubbles’ in schools and early years settings will also be axed from 16 August.
Children that come into close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace and advised to take a PCR test. If children do test positive for Covid-19, in line with current rules, they will be required to self-isolate.
Mr Willamson also said that it wouldn't be necessary for schools to stagger start and finish times. However, they can continue with the practice until the end of this term if they wish.
He went on to confirm that ‘enhanced hygiene and ventilation’ will remain in place in schools until the autumn.
The Department for Education confirmed that testing for close contacts under 18 will be split into two categories. All primary, secondary and college age children should take a single PCR test. Early years children should only take a PCR test if a member of their household tests positive.
Protective measures will remain in place for the autumn term in all education settings including practising good hygiene, ventilation, and regular testing until the end of September to strike a balance between relaxing restrictions and minimising further disruption to children’s education, the DfE said.
The lifting of Covid restrictions in schools is in line with the general removal of restrictions for England at 'Step 4', which is expected to take place on 19 July. However, schools may choose to continue with these measures until the end of the Summer term.
All school trips, drama, music and sporting activity will be able to resume in line with the relaxation of restrictions across society from Step 4.
Education settings still operating over the summer will continue to test twice a week, with asymptomatic test kits still available to families over the summer holidays.
New guidance outlining the change to the current rules, covering the summer period and the Autumn term, has been published today.
However, there has not yet been any sign of guidance for early years settings, a move which has been criticised by the sector.
