RETURN TO SCHOOL STATEMENT
This afternoon the Education Secretary gave an update on the return of schools in the new year given the current levels of Covid19 infection in the UK.
There have been some changes to the return of schools in Hastings and Rye that affect our area in particular owing to our higher infection rates. Owing to our higher rates education settings will have to implement Contingency Framework for Education (link below).
In essence this means that where the contingency framework is implemented, secondary schools and further education colleges should only allow vulnerable children, children of critical workers, and exam students to attend. High-quality remote education should be provided for all other pupils.
The framework includes the option to move primary schools to remote education should rates of incidence or transmission of the virus in a local area require it. Evidence suggests that transmission is limited between young children, and the decision to close primary schools will be based on higher thresholds than for secondary schools and colleges and will only be taken as a last resort. Early years will remain open nationally, as will alternative provision and special schools.
This means the return of pupils in primary schools, secondary schools and colleges will be delayed by two weeks in Hastings and Rye.
In terms of timings this means that:
- From the 4th January Early Years settings will return and primary and secondary schools for vulnerable children and children of key workers.
- From 11th January secondary school exam years go back to school
- From the 18th January primaries and all other secondary school years will return to school and will receive remote education in the meantime
Please do check with your local school to confirm details, but these are the latest set of guidance for schools and colleges.
For more detailed guidance you can visit the Government website here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-contingency-framework-for-education-and-childcare-settings
