End of bubbles and self-isolation: What the new COVID rules mean for schools
The government has acknowledged the current system is causing much disruption to pupils, parents and staff.
Tuesday 6 July 2021 16:00, UK
The way schools deal with the pandemic will change from 19 July, including the scrapping of the bubble isolation system.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced a series of changes for how early years settings, schools and colleges handle COVID-19.
He said the government recognises the current system of bubbles and entire groups having to isolate "is causing disruption to many children's education.
This is how the new system will work:
From step four (the government hopes this will be 19 July)
• Bubble system to end, meaning entire classes or year groups will no longer have to self-isolate if one person tests positive
• Contact tracing to be transferred from early years, schools and colleges to NHS Track and Trace
• As with the adult population, pupils will have to self-isolate if identified by NHS Track and Trace as a close contact of somebody who has tested positive
• Masks and social distancing no longer necessary in any part of a school
• No longer necessary to stagger start and finish times - but schools and colleges may continue to until the end of the summer term, if they wish
• Secondary schools and colleges must continue to carry out regular home lateral flow testing until the end of September (plus two on-site at the beginning of the autumn term), when the policy will be reviewed
• Schools running over the summer holidays, such as camps and summer schools, must continue to carry out two lateral flow tests a week for pupils
From 16 August
• Anybody under the age of 18 will not have to self-isolate if a close contact tests positive
• 18-year-olds will be treated the same as younger people until four months after their birthday to allow them to be fully vaccinated.
From the autumn term
• Fully vaccinated teachers can remain in school if a close contact tests positive - this is in line with guidance for all adults in England
• Enhanced hygiene and ventilation will remain in place for the autumn term