School leaders point out that the move to Step 4 of the government’s Covid “roadmap” from July 19 comes in the face of rising case numbers and with more than 640,000 students currently out of school self-isolating.
Prime minister Boris Johnson confirmed the move to Step 4 on Monday (July 5) and a day later education secretary Gavin Williamson published new guidance for schools (DfE, 2021a).
The short, 16-page document removes the requirement for student bubbles, staggered start and finish times and social distancing from July 19, although schools can choose to continue with measures until the end of term
Face-coverings will also no longer be advised for pupils, staff or visitors. However, measures could be re-introduced on a school-by-school basis dependent on local outbreaks.
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