How schools in Sheffield could return this autumn with staggered starts, 'bubbles' and home testing

Pupils will continue to be taught in small ‘bubbles’ to help control the extent of any coronavirus outbreak, and schools will be given home testing kids to hand out, according to new guidance published by the Government.

Only a small proportion of children in England have returned to school full time so far but ministers want all pupils to do so when schools return after summer, and they have set out how they think that can be done safely.

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Children should be kept in small bubbles where possible, with social distancing also in place to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, the guidelines state.

In secondary schools, whole year bubbles may be more practical, it is claimed, while in primary schools, class-size bubbles of pupils who do not mix with those from other bubbles could be introduced.

Staff should keep two metres from pupils and from their colleagues wherever possible but personal protective equipment (PPE) is not deemed necessary unless there are special circumstances.

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Staggered start and finish times, along with staggered break times, should be considered where possible to keep different groups apart.

Other measures which should be in place include enhanced cleaning, the promotion of thorough handwashing and desks being arranged so they all face forward.

Anyone displaying coronavirus symptoms, including a high temperature or new, continuous cough must be sent home and told to self-isolate for at least seven days.

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But members of staff who have helped them, and other pupils who have been in close contact with them, need not do this unless they develop symptoms themselves, the symptomatic person subsequently tests positive or they are requested to do so by NHS Test & Trace.

The Govermnent says that by the autumn term, all schools will have a small number of home testing kits they can give to staff or to parents or carers collecting a child who has developed symptoms at school.