Covid Information for Schools

Updated 14 September 2021

New guidance has been released for the new school term following step 4 of the roadmap.

Contingency framework: education and childcare settings

The guidance explains that:

• New thresholds for control measures to be enacted (whichever is smallest):
  • 5 children, pupils, students or staff, who are likely to have mixed closely (cases are linked to each other), test positive for COVID-19 within a 10-day period; or
  • 10% of children, pupils, students or staff who are likely to have mixed closely (cases are linked to each other),, test positive for COVID-19 within a 10-day period

For special schools these are:

• 2 children, pupils, students or staff, who are likely to have mixed closely (close contact of each other), test positive for COVID-19 within a 10-day period.

Reporting to Sandwell MBC (note Sandwell MBC are not informed of outbreaks in our settings by other methods, we need to be informed directly):

• Schools/ Settings with 5 linked cases or 10% of school (whichever is smallest) to email PHCovid19_Enquiries@sandwell.gov.uk (available 7 days a week 9am-5pm) for support immediately. We will advise on next steps.

Control methods available:

• Review and reinforce testing, hygiene and ventilation measures and consider steps to improve indoor ventilation, one-off enhanced cleaning, and whether activities could be taken outside, if appropriate.

Following discussions with Local Authority Health Protection or PHE following an Outbreak Meetings (Incident Management Team or IMT)

• Increase number of children carrying out or increase frequency of PCR and/or LFT testing in non-isolating close contacts (those under 18 and 6 months, double vaccinated adults).
• Reinstating bubbles and or face/coverings
• Restrictive attendance (only where necessary)

FAQ Sheet for COVID in Schools