BCC Coronavirus Update: What ‘Step 4’ changes mean for Education and Childcare Settings
England has moved to Step 4 of the roadmap. Everyone should be cautious while managing the risks as cases of COVID-19 remain high. Read the latest guidance at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
Below, we’ve collated the latest updates, advice, and guidance for education and childcare settings from Birmingham City Council and the Department for Education (DfE).
Advice video from Dr Justin Varney, Director of Public Health
Step 4 of the Roadmap proceeded as planned today, Monday 19 July. However, this does not mark the end of the need for caution and restraint. Although many of the legal restrictions are now lifted, cautious guidance remains which makes it clear that this is not yet a return to normal.
While cases are high and rising, everybody needs to continue to act carefully and remain cautious. We will continue to manage the virus and provide guidance over the coming months.
In the video below, Dr Justin Varney highlights why we should all continue to follow safe guidance despite the lifting of restrictions and why getting vaccinated is so important.
GUIDANCE UPDATE: Actions for early years and childcare providers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
The DfE has updated the actions for early years and childcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic to reflect that we have moved to ‘Step 4’ of the roadmap on 19 July. This includes removing the section on ‘contact tracing until Step 4’. They have also updated sections on clinically extremely vulnerable staff and children. Read and download the up-to-date guidance here.
DfE video on what ‘Step 4’ changes mean for education and childcare settings
As most restrictions across all parts of society are relaxed from Monday 19 July, the DfE wants to keep schools, colleges, and early years settings informed on what ‘Step 4’ changes mean.
To help with this, they have recorded a webinar that provides information on the key changes to COVID-19 measures such as ‘bubbles’, contact tracing, face coverings, self-isolation and testing, in addition to providing answers to some frequently asked questions.
Changes to contact tracing for schools, colleges and nurseries
From 19 July, schools, colleges and nurseries no longer need to carry out routine contact tracing. From this point onwards, close contacts will be identified and contacted by NHS Test and Trace.
In response to feedback from stakeholders, the DfE have produced guidance, some frequently asked questions and answers, and a template letter for settings to send to parents, pupils and students on changes to contact tracing of close contacts. These can all be found here.
Continue regular COVID-19 testing in open education settings this summer
Secondary school pupils, college students and staff attending a summer school or any education setting over the holidays, should continue testing twice-weekly at home. They will continue to be supplied with test kits through their education settings.
For those not attending education settings over the summer holidays, tests will be available to order online or from most pharmacies.
New resources are available on the COVID-19 resources centre for schools and local authorities to use to help students maintain the habit of twice-weekly testing over the summer ahead of the autumn term.
Birmingham Cllr Jayne Francis, cabinet member for education, skills and culture, says thank you to everyone for their hard work during the last academic year.
As the end of term approaches, Cllr Jayne Francis says a big thank you to pupils, parents and all school and early years staff for their tremendous work over the past year. pic.twitter.com/19wvuWl8yh
— Bham City Council (@BhamCityCouncil) July 19, 2021
"This week marks the end of the academic year and the start of the summer holidays. To all the school children in Birmingham I would like to say a large 'well done' for all that you have achieved during what has been a difficult year for you all.
"I know that your teachers are all so proud of the way that you adjusted to doing your school work at home and how well you've done since being back in the classroom. You should be proud of everything that you have achieved this year and I hope you can enjoy your summer holidays and look forward to returning to school in September.
"To all teachers across Birmingham I would like to extend my thanks to you for the incredible commitment that you have shown to your vocation this academic year. I know the challenges of the pamdemic have been huge but your resilience and hard work has been greatly appreciated.
"I would like to say thank you to all of the parents and carers who have helped to support school children at home, giving up their time to ensure that children kept up with their school work, often whilst trying to work from home themselves.
"I hope that next year both pupils and teachers will be able to enjoy a normal school year, but for now I would like to wish all of you a wonderful summer holiday."
A letter to school staff from Children and Families Minister, Vicky Ford
This week Children and Families Minister, Vicky Ford, also wrote to school staff to thank them for all they've done over the last school year and through the pandemic as a whole. She also set out some of the resources available to school staff to help them as they prepare for the new school year in September. Read the full letter on the DfE’s Education Hub blog.
New website for parents to help their children catch-up
The DfE has launched an information site for parents, to support children of all age ranges and abilities “catch up” on lost learning from the pandemic. The site features advice and support for parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as programmes, resources and activities for children and young people this summer. Please do share this with your parent networks.
You can access up-to-date information and guidance on Coronavirus (COVID-19) via the Birmingham City Council website: birmingham.gov.uk/coronavirus_advice