STAFF at schools across Wirral are preparing to welcome pupils back to class after the Prime Minister announced a roadmap out of lockdown.

But the return to class will differ for primary and secondary pupils.

Here is how it will work ...

Primary schools

  • All primary school pupils are to be back in school for face-to-face teaching on Monday, March 8.
  • Primary school staff will continue to take two rapid symptom-free coronavirus (COVID-19) tests each week at home to identify positive cases quickly, enable them to self-isolate and break the chain of transmission.
  • Parents and carers are asked to continue wearing face coverings at pick up and drop offs and to keep a two-metre distance from others.

Secondary school and colleges

This will be a more phased approach, as pupils are required to be tested before a full return, as set out by government guidance.

  • Each school will have different arrangements, but your child will be invited to attend their school for a test the week of March 8. After this your child's school will give you an expected return date for face-to-face teaching, test results permitting.
  • After an initial programme of three tests in school or college, students will then be provided with two rapid symptom-free tests to use each week at home. Testing for pupils will take place 3-5 days apart as advised by Government guidance for schools. The three tests in school will take place to show pupils how the testing should be done. Secondary school and college staff will also continue to be provided with two tests to use each week at home.

Government guidance advises that staff and students in secondary schools and colleges must wear face coverings in all areas. This includes classrooms, where social distancing cannot be maintained as a temporary extra measure.

Councillor Wendy Clements, chair of Wirral Council's children, young people and education committee, said: "COVID-19 has brought with it many challenges – one of the most significant being the disruption to children's education.

"Time in school is about more than just lessons, it helps to develop children 'all round'.

"I am immensely proud of the dedication and work Wirral's education settings have put in throughout the pandemic, they have gone above and beyond. I would also like to thank parents and pupils for the resilience and understanding they have shown during this time.

"I am confident that, as our children and young people return to school, educators will continue to do everything they can to make sure your child will be in a COVID secure environment.

"We can all help our education settings prepare by continuing to show the tremendous support and patience that has been seen throughout the pandemic."

Schools are working through the latest guidance to prepare for the return and will contact parents and carers with full details ahead of the return.

More details about the return and testing can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mass-testing-for-secondary-pupils-as-all-schools-and-colleges-fully-reopenfrom8-march.

Related story: https://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/19107632.boris-johnson-sets-roadmap-covid-lockdown-3-today/