The end of school bubbles and no self-isolation for pupils after 16th August
Pupils next term will not have to self isolate if a close contact tests positive
Last updated 6th Jul 2021
School bubbles will end with the next step of lockdown easing and next month pupils will no longer have to isolate if a close contact tests positive.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has been telling the Commons today that key restrictions on education and childcare will be lifted when we move to step 4, which is planned for the 19th July.
Mr Williamson set out plans to scrap the “bubble” system which has led to classes – or even whole schools – being forced to stay at home if cases are detected:
“Keeping children in consistent groups was essential to control the spread of the virus when our population was less vaccinated.
“We recognise that the system of bubbles and isolation is causing disruption to many children’s education.
"That is why we’ll be ending bubbles and transferring contact tracing to the NHS Test and Trace system for early years settings, schools and colleges.”
No self-isolation for pupils next term
In line with the announcement that Sajid Javid gave earlier, from August 16th children will no longer have to isolate if a close contact tests positive for Covid-19.
Mr Williamson told MPs that from the 16th of August children will only need to isolate if they test positive:
“In education settings, all other existing measures – including guidance on isolation of contacts – will stay in place until the end of this term, in line with isolation rules for the rest of the population as more adults as vaccinated.
“From August 16, those under the age of 18 will no longer be required to self-isolate if they are contacted by NHS Test and Trace as a close contact of a positive Covid-19 case.”
READ MORE: Under 18s and the double-jabbed won't have to self isolate after close contact with coronavirus
Other changes to school rules
Gavin Williamson also announced other changes to schools from Step four.
Start and finish times will no longer need to be staggered, although the Education Secretary said that schools could carry on with these arrangements until the end of the academic year if they wish.
Facemasks will no longer be advised for children, staff or visitors and social distancing will no longer be required.
Gavin Williamson also said “some protective measures” will remain in place for the autumn term.
He told MPs: “Having listened to teachers and balancing the risks to health and education, to maximise attendance and minimise disruption to children and young people’s education, some protective measures – including enhanced hygiene and ventilation – will remain in place for the autumn term.
On testing, the Education Secretary said: “Secondary schools and colleges will be asked to provide two on-site tests to their students at the start of term, with regular home testing continuing until the end of September, when this will be reviewed.”Enhanced hygeine and fresh air
READ MORE: Boris Johnson announces that nearly all Covid restrictions will be lifted in the next step of easing**.**