With so many updates and guidance notes you are perfectly entitled to be a bit confused or overwhelmed at this point. The Government have outlined their Winter Plan but what does that mean?
1: Education will remain open
All levels of education will remain open across all tiers. This also includes registered childcare, other supervised activities and childcare bubbles. All pupils have been told to attend unless they are self-isolating. They have also confirmed that group limits also do not apply to wraparound childcare facilities or supervised activities for children.
2: Schools should not close early
There has been much confusion on this point, but the Government have advised that schools should not alter term dates. The advice for parents is to not take children out of school prematurely, even if social restrictions are changed over Christmas.
3: Clinically extremely vulnerable
The previous guidance for lockdown, that clinically extremely vulnerable people should not go to work or school, has been revised for the regional approach. Instead they state that for schools in Tier 3, employers should discuss adjustments and support. This is being challenged by Unions and you can read more in our blog.
4: Testing increases
They are looking to roll out regular repeated testing in education settings to address and reduce the number of pupils absent from school. This system would be offered to people who had been in contact with a positive case and they would only have to isolate if they tested positive. At the moment this is still in pilot stage and will probably not be rolled out until 2021.
5: Providing remote education
Since October 2020, schools have been legally required to provide immediate remote education to any pupil who needs to self-isolate due to coronavirus. This requirement will continue until the end of the 2020/2021 academic year, unless revoked sooner.
6: More support for the highest tiers
Tier 3 areas will be given the opportunity to take part in a six week testing plan.
7: Working from home
People should still work from home where possible and that Tier advises.
You can access the full Winter Plan including Tier approaches here – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/937529/COVID-19_Winter_Plan.pdf
Obviously since this point, there have also been vaccine rollout plans being constructed and more guidance will no doubt be issued soon. We will continue to keep you posted, so please check back for further updates, or sign up to receive our newsletter.
