Returning to School in September - FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

From the beginning of autumn term, the Department for Education will expect all pupils in all year groups to return to school full time.

1)   What is my school planning for September?

Each school is opening in line with Government advice and has completed a risk assessment to ensure pupils, staff and parents continue to be safe.  Most schools have sent letters to parents explaining the arrangements for September or have shared this on their social media and websites. You can find out brief information about each school here in the download section.

 2)   What’s happening with my child’s school transport?

The transport team will be issuing letters to parents over the next couple of weeks to advise what the transport arrangements for their child from September.  If you have any concerns please contact the Integrated Transport Unit on (01642) 353434 or email act@middlesbrough.gov.uk

3)   Does my child have to wear a face mask or covering at school?

No. This is not recommended at school. Face coverings may be beneficial for short periods indoors where there is a risk of close social contact with people you do not usually meet and where social distancing and other measures cannot be maintained, for example on public transport or in some shops. This does not apply to schools or other education settings.

 

4)   Will school staff be wearing PPE?

The majority of staff in education settings will not require PPE beyond what they would normally need for their work. PPE is only needed when working with children, young people and students whose care routinely already involves the use of PPE due to their intimate care needs should continue to receive their care in the same way.

  

5)   What if my child is shielding?

Shielding advice for all adults and children will pause on 1 August, subject to a continued decline in the rates of community transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19). This means that the small number of pupils who will remain on the shielded patient list can also return to school, as can those who have family members who are shielding.

If you have concerns about your child returning to school or college, because you consider they may have other risk factors, you should discuss with your school or college the measures they are putting in place to reduce risks in line with government guidance.

 

Read the ministerial letter addressed to all children and young people with SEND, their families and those who support them. It provides an update from the Minister of State for Care explaining the importance of pupils returning to school from September, signposting to guidance to help settings prepare for the return of pupils and addresses the key concerns that have been shared, along with additional important and useful information.

 

And remember, you can contact the SEN Assessment team throughout the school holidays via our duty telephone number 01642 201831 or email sen@middlesbrough.gov.uk  

Page last reviewed: 10/09/2020

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