Update from GOV.UK

We have highlighted some recent changes below to the Government's Actions for schools during the coronavirus outbreak

Contact Tracing

Confirms nothing has changed – Omicron contacts are informed and isolate (no matter age or vaccination status) but Govt looking to introduce daily testing so Omicron contacts can continue to go to school and not isolate

Asymptomatic testing

Nothing really changed, remains encouraged but not required. Think the change might be the introduction of this sentence: Schools are strongly encouraged to ask parents and other visitors to take a lateral flow device (LFD) test before entering the school.

Mandatory certification

Schools are not required to use the NHS COVID Pass, unless they are holding a specific event (such as a reception, concert or party) that meets the attendance thresholds.

Where applicable, schools should follow guidance on mandatory certification for events.

Under 18s are exempt from showing their COVID Status but should be counted towards attendance thresholds.

You should not use the NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry for education or related activities such as exams, teaching, extra-curricular activities or any other day-to-day activities that are part of education or training.

Working from Home

School workforce

From 13 December office workers who can work from home should do so. Anyone who cannot work from home, such as those involved in the face-to-face provision of education, should continue to go to their place of work.

School leaders are best placed to determine the workforce required to meet the needs of their pupils. School leaders will need to consider whether it is possible for specific staff undertaking certain roles to work from home without disrupting to face-to-face education.

Following expert clinical advice and the successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine programme, people previously considered to be particularly vulnerable, clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), and high or higher-risk are not being advised to shield again. If staff were previously identified as being in one of these groups, they are advised to continue to follow the guidance contained in Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread.

In some circumstances, staff may have received personal advice from their specialist or clinician on additional precautions to take and they should continue to follow that advice.

Whilst individual risk assessments are not required, employers are expected to discuss any concerns that people previously considered CEV may have.

Employers will need to follow this specific guidance for pregnant employees. COVID-19 vaccination: a guide for women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding contains further advice on vaccination. Your workplace risk assessment should already consider any risks to female employees of childbearing age and, in particular, risks to new and expectant mothers. You should also consider the needs of pregnant pupils.

Employers should be able to explain the measures they have in place to keep staff safe at work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance on protecting vulnerable workers, including advice for employers and employees on how to talk about reducing risks in the workplace. For home working, employers should consider whether home working is appropriate for workers facing mental or physical health difficulties, or those with a particularly challenging home working environment. Employers should discuss concerns with staff.

Former CEV Staff and Pupils

Those formerly considered to be clinically extremely vulnerable.

Following expert clinical advice and the successful rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine programme, people previously considered to be particularly vulnerable, clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV), and high or higher-risk are not being advised to shield again. Children and young people who were previously identified as being in one of these groups, are advised to continue to follow the guidance contained in Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread.

Children and young people previously considered CEV should attend school and should follow the same COVID-19 guidance as the rest of the population. In some circumstances, a child or young person may have received personal advice from their specialist or clinician on additional precautions to take and they should continue to follow that advice