• Primary schools across North Yorkshire have returned to school today (Monday 4th January)
  • Secondary schools are staging reopening for their pupils, with children of key workers also going back today.
  • If a pupil tests positive they must self-isolate for 10 days.

Schools across North Yorkshire have reopened today as planned despite concerns from unions over safety.

Primary schools across the area are reopening as normal with all pupils heading back, whilst Secondary schools are staging the return of pupils as follows:

  • Monday 4th January – Secondary schools reopen for children of key workers and vulnerable children.
  • Monday 11th January – Year 11 and 13 students return to school.
  • Monday 18th January – Schools reopen for all students.

North Yorkshire was placed in Tier 3 last week following a review of the tier-system based on the increasing number of cases of Covid-19, however there had been speculation as to whether primary schools would reopen as normal.

Primary schools will return as normal across North Yorkshire despite concerns.

Coronavirus testing in schools

At the start of the new term today, schools will be given the option of setting up coronavirus testing, providing free covid-19 tests to staff and students.

The tests are aiming to identify those who have the virus without symptoms early whilst minimising disruption during the spring term before pupils return to face-to-face education.

The testing in schools is optional and individual schools will make their own decisions on whether to offer the testing in school.

What are the criteria for primary schools to stay closed?

The Department for Education has previously said that their decisions on possible school closures were based on new infections, rate of infection and the pressure on the NHS.

They have not yet outlined what are the requirements for a school to remain closed.

What happens if a pupil tests positive for Covid-19?

If a pupil tests positive for Covid-19, they must be sent home to self-isolate for 10 days.

The school will then contact their local public health protection team for advice on which other students/staff must also be sent home to isolate, with some schools, such as Grove Road in Bilton, being forced to send home entire ‘bubbles’ of children.

Anyone who has been in close contact with the person testing positive must self-isolate.