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Headteachers encouraged to invite back more primary
pupils before summer, where they have capacity
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Schools will have flexibility to decide which
additional pupils to prioritise for return
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Year 10 and Year 12 students return to schools and
16-19 year olds to colleges
Primary schools in England are to be given greater
flexibility to invite back more pupils, but only if the school
has capacity within existing guidelines and if protective
measures are in place.
Children in early years, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 began
returning to classrooms on 1 June, with over half of primary
schools open to at least one of these year groups as of 4
June.
Updated guidance published
today (Monday 15 June) gives heads and school leaders the ability
to invite back additional children if – having invited back the
pupils in eligible year groups - they are able and feel ready to
do so within the existing guidance.
Schools will have flexibility to decide which additional
pupils to prioritise for return, provided existing guidelines are
followed and protective measures are in place, including limiting
primary class sizes to no more than 15 pupils.
Education Secretary said:
“I want to make sure as many pupils as possible can get
back into the classroom and be reunited with their friends and
teachers before the summer, to support their wellbeing and
education.
“We have a range of protective measures in place in schools
to reduce the risk of transmission and I would like to encourage
primary schools to invite more children back if they can maintain
those existing guidelines.
“I would encourage parents to take advantage of a place if
they are eligible, and I’d like to thank teachers and staff for
all their hard work as we take the next step in our phased and
cautious approach to returning all children to school.”
From Monday 15 June, secondary schools will welcome back
pupils in Year 10 and Year 12 and colleges will welcome back
16-19 students, with settings using a range of approaches to
allow a quarter of students in at any one time.
Schools and colleges can invite young people who are not yet
returning to on-site provision in for a face-to-face meeting
before the end of this term, where it would be beneficial
and as long as this happens in line with wider protective
measures guidance. This time can be used to check-in on students
before a return to school or college in September, or moving into
employment or the next stage of education.
