All covid-19 related restrictions have officially been lifted by the government meaning there is no legal requirement to self-isolate after a positive Covid test.

As for schools, however, pupils and staff who test positive are advised to remain at home for at least five full days and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received two negative test results on consecutive days.

Schools are also responsible for making their own decisions about whether to turn a child displaying symptoms of Covid-19.

Here’s everything you need to know about Covid-19 measures in schools.

Have all restrictions been lifted in schools?

The majority of Covid-19 restrictions, such as the wearing of face masks and bubbled learning have been lifted from the learning environment.

Under Department for Education (DfE) guidance, basic hygiene measures should continue. These include:

• Ensure good hygiene for everyone
• Maintaining appropriate cleaning regimes
• Keeping occupied spaces well ventilated
• Following public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of Covid-19

What if my child catches Covid-19?

There is no longer a legal requirement for people with Covid to self-isolate.

However, the expectation is that pupils and staff who test positive are advised to remain at home for at least five full days and then continue to follow the guidance until they have received two negative test results on consecutive days.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union the NAHT, said he expected that “the vast majority of families” would follow the updated guidance and keep their child off school if they had Covid-19.

Will my child be refused entry if they have symptoms of Covid-19?

Schools will have their own policies in place, but many will expect students to take a PCR test if symptoms arise.

New guidance for parents also outlines that schools have the right to refuse students who have been infected with display symptoms of Covid-19.

Guidance published by the Department for Education (DfE) reads: “If you insist on your child attending nursery, school or college when they have symptoms, they can take the decision to refuse your child if, in their reasonable judgement, it is necessary to protect other pupils and staff from possible infection with Covid 19.”

It continues: “Their decision would need to be carefully considered in light of all the circumstances and current public health advice.”

St Mary's Position

At St Mary's we take the line that if a child or adult who works in school develops symptoms, they should seek a Covid test.  If positive they should isolate for at least five days and test again or isolate for the full 10 days.  This is to reduce absence and protect others.