Every Sheffield parent to receive a letter THIS WEEK with important school return update

As part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap, schools in Sheffield will return to full-time face-to-face teaching from next Monday, March 8.

Since the turn of the year it has been only vulnerable children and those with key-worker parents that have been in physical education, with most being taught virtually.

It will be mandatory for your child to return to education, but some secondary schools or colleges may choose to stagger the return of pupils.

Now, Sheffield City Council has given an update on how getting back to school will work across the city.

What have they said?

Sheffield City Council has announced that parents will be contacted this week by email or post to explain what their school is doing and when their child will need to return.

Whilst all primary school pupils will return to school on March 8, secondary school pupils may return on different dates to help schools manage the offer of Asymptomatic Lateral Flow Device Testing (LFD).

This comes after news that households with school-aged children will now also be offered regular testing.

All members of the household will be offered two rapid lateral flow tests a week – with results showing in as little as 30 minutes.

However, following guidance from Public Health England, pre-school children and primary aged pupils do not need to be regularly tested.

The council has stated that no child will be tested unless consent is obtained from a parent or carer, or from the student directly, if they are over 18.

What measures will be in place at you child’s school?

- Schools will continue to use protective bubbles to help manage risk.

- Social distancing.

- Staggered start and finish times.

- Ensuring that everyone cleans their hands thoroughly, and more often than usual.

- Promoting the ‘catch it, bin it, kill it’ approach, to ensure good respiratory hygiene.

- Enhanced cleaning and ventilation, including cleaning frequently touched surfaces more often.

- Face coverings worn in secondary school settings.

Schools minister Nick Gibb has said that wearing masks in school will be ‘highly recommended’, but not compulsory.

Councillor Abtisam Mohamed, cabinet member for education and skills, said: “It is great news that pupils will return to the classroom next week, I know everybody in the school community cannot wait to welcome them back.

“Being in school is the best place for our children socially, academically and for their health and wellbeing; but I know that some pupils who have not been in school for a long time may feel worried about going back.

"I want to reassure our young people and their families that schools are working hard to do all they can to ensure your return is as safe as possible. If anyone has any concerns, no matter how big or small, I urge them to get in touch with their school as soon as they can.”

Visit www.sheffield.gov.uk for more information on testing.