Schools, childcare providers and colleges across Dorset are looking forward to welcoming children back in September.
Dorset Council has been working with schools, early years providers and colleges to make sure that all pupils are welcomed back safely. All education and child care providers are following Dorset Council, Department for Education and Public Health guidance. Risk assessments have been carried out and hygiene measures are in place. Read more here.
Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Children, Education and Early Help, said: “Our school, colleges and childcare providers are looking forward to welcoming all pupils back in September.
“It will be wonderful for our children to be back in their classrooms enjoying their education. I am delighted that our youngest children will also be able to enjoy their sessions again and have fun learning through play with their friends.
“As a parent myself, I realise it may be an anxious time for some. I would like to reassure young people, parents and carers that measures are in place to make sure everyone can return in as safe a way as possible.
“It is worth remembering that cases in the Dorset Council area remain low, much lower than other areas of England. There were also no significant incidents associated with wider opening in the summer term.
“I would like to thank our schools and childcare providers for their vigilance and care. They have worked hard to make sure we can welcome all children back, I know they can’t wait to see all our children again.”
All Dorset education settings, including our special schools, will be open in September. Arrangements will vary, as what is needed in a small primary will be different from a large secondary or upper school. Classes may be different as measures, such as teaching children in separate groups or ‘bubbles’, may have to be put in place to help keep children and staff safe. Childcare providers’ arrangements may also vary, as what is needed in a childminder’s home will be different to a larger nursery or preschool. Please contact your school, college or childcare provider if you have any queries.
Plans are also in place in case there are any suspected cases. If there are suspected or confirmed cases, schools, colleges and childcare providers will contact health protection team to decide what actions need to be taken. If cases are confirmed, close contacts will be traced and advised to self-isolate at home. If this were to happen, Dorset Council and public health teams would work closely with schools, colleges and childcare providers to communicate any necessary actions to staff, parents, carers and students.
Parents and carers can help by following government guidance outside of school. This includes keeping a least a metre apart from anyone not in your household, preferably two metres, washing hands frequently and self-isolating and getting tested if you have symptoms of coronavirus, such as a high temperature, new continuous cough or a loss or change to sense of smell or taste. The latest government guidance can be found at gov.uk/coronavirus.
An update on school transport has also been published today and is available here.
