Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they are taking (1) to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 in (a) primary, and (b) secondary, schools, (2) to ensure such schools are COVID-19 secure, and (3) to expedite the safe re-opening of such schools.

The department has worked closely with other government departments throughout its response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including Public Health England (PHE) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), as well as stakeholders across the sector, to ensure that our policy is based on the latest scientific and medical advice, to develop comprehensive guidance based on a PHE-endorsed ‘system of controls’ and to understand the impact and effectiveness of these measures on staff, pupils and parents.

The system of control measures as outlined in our guidance has been developed with PHE, with whom we continue to work closely to ensure that these measures are based on the latest medical and scientific advice: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/952443/210114_School_national_restrictions_guidance_FINAL_14012021.pdf.

When implemented in line with a thorough risk assessment, these measures create an inherently safer system for staff and pupils where the risk of transmission of the infection is substantially reduced. For example, this includes important measures such as, but not limited to, minimising contact with individuals who are not well, maintaining social distancing wherever possible, regularly cleaning hands and introducing enhanced cleaning measures, as well as the use of personal protective equipment where recommended. All elements of the system of controls are essential in effectively minimising risks. Schools must cover them all, but the way different schools implement some of the requirements will differ based on their individual circumstances. PHE advises that the implementation of the system of controls based on a thorough risk assessment is a sufficient and appropriate way to reduce risk in schools.

Limiting attendance does not suggest that schools and colleges have become significantly less safe for young people. Instead, limiting attendance is about supporting the reduction of the overall number of social contacts in our communities. We have resisted restrictions on attendance at schools since the first lockdown but, in the face of the rapidly rising numbers of cases across the country and intense pressure on the NHS, we now need to use every lever at our disposal to reduce all our social contacts wherever possible.

We know that receiving face to face education is best for children’s mental health and for their educational achievement. We will continue to review the restrictions on schools, colleges and universities and will ensure that children and young people return to face to face education as soon as possible.