Restrictions on schools and colleges will be introduced in areas with very high rates of coronavirus incidence or transmission.
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.
Escalation of areas into the contingency framework for education will be decided through the existing Local Action Committee and COVID Operations Committee structure and will be communicated alongside Tier decisions. This process will be led by the Health Secretary and Education Secretary.
In areas not subject to the contingency framework, early years, primary schools, alternative provision, and special schools will all return to face-to-face education from the start of term as planned, with individual special schools having some flexibility.
Evidence shows the new strain of COVID-19 is increasing in the South West, Midlands, and parts of the North West. The majority of the cases identified in London, the South East and the East of England are of the new variant. Infection rates have increased faster than expected in these areas where the new strain has been circulating and stronger measures are required to get the virus under control.
During the first week of spring term, beginning on or just after 04 January, secondary schools and colleges will focus on the rollout of rapid testing to help find asymptomatic cases. The provision of testing builds on the extensive protective measures already in place in schools and colleges to make them as safe as possible.
Secondary schools and colleges will continue with a staggering return but with one week’s delay, providing face-to-face education for exam year groups from 11 January and the return of all students on 18 January. Vocational exams scheduled for the first weeks of January will go ahead as planned.