Schools have received Public Health England endorsed
guidance on protective measures they should implement
to be as safe as possible and reduce the risk of
transmission of coronavirus.
Measures such as staggered break times, increased
hygiene and handwashing, and children remaining in
consistent groups will all contribute to minimising
risks, while allowing schools to get back to doing what
they do best – teaching.
The campaign, which forms part of the government’s
wider Stay Alert campaign, will show teachers welcoming
their students back into school, experiencing all the
benefits that entails.
Newspaper, digital, radio and billboard adverts will
showcase a range of new creative approaches to engage
parents and students in returning to school.
Education Secretary
said:
The government is committed to doing everything
necessary to deliver on our national priority of all
students returning to schools and colleges in
September.
All children deserve to be back in school as it is
the best place for their education and wellbeing. I
know families are growing more confident that schools
and colleges are ready and waiting to get back to
teaching, with the right protective measures in
place.
As the start of term approaches, now is the time for
families to think about the practicalities of
returning to school in September, whether that’s
reassuring themselves that school is the best place
for their child to be, or planning the school run to
avoid public transport where possible.
Chief Medical Officer
said:
Education is essential for a child’s development so
it is crucial we get children safely back to school
in September.
A number of important risk reduction measures have
been put in place to help students and teachers
return to school with confidence.
Newspaper and billboard advertising will be launched
from tomorrow, with radio and digital adverts live from
Monday 24 August and running until early September,
alongside wider engagement with the teaching profession
and local communications.
The latest ONS statistics show there is growing
confidence among parents that their children will
return to school in September, testament to the hard
work of school staff putting in place safety measures.
The launch of the campaign comes as the government
delivers over £40 million in funding for local
transport authorities to create alternative dedicated
school transport to alleviate pressure on public
transport. New guidance to support local authorities to
manage capacity and reduce risk on school transport was
published this week.
Over £700 million has also been provided or pledged to
bus and light rail operators during the pandemic, to
keep services running despite reduced capacity.
Students and staff who have the option to walk or cycle
to get to school are encouraged to do so. The
government recently announced £2 billion of investment
to increase active travel, as well as publishing its
new Cycling and
Walking Plan.
Parents are encouraged to visit gov.uk/backtoschool
for information and practical guidance to help them
plan for their children’s return to school.
Leaflets explaining more about the safety measures in
place will be made available over the coming days.
