Children's services
Returning safely back to school, college and nursery after Easter break
Published on
Guidance for return back to Schools following the Easter break.
As children and young people across Walsall prepare to go back to school, college and nursery following the school holidays, parents and carers and staff working in educational settings are encouraged to continue making considerate decisions to ensure a safe return and protect the wider community from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19.
This includes continuing to support schools, colleges and nurseries with their COVID-secure measures to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 and staying at home if feeling unwell, showing symptoms of a respiratory infection or having a high temperature.
“ I hope that the end of term break has been enjoyable for you and your family. As we look forward to beginning a new term, returning safely to the classroom is important to keep each other safe and reduce the risk of taking illnesses back into school, college or nursery.
COVID-19 is still with us. Our case rate as of 20 April is at 364 per 100k in Walsall, so we still need to take precautions to minimize the spread of viruses.
Anyone who is unwell and has symptoms of a respiratory infection like COVID-19 or a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people. It is particularly important to avoid close contact with those who may be at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell.
It is recommended to wait at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped or when you no longer have a high temperature. You should make sure you feel well enough before going back to normal activities or school, college, nursery or work.
COVID-19 vaccines remain our best defense and reduce the risk of serious illness. Children aged five to 11 are now eligible for their COVID-19 vaccination. About a quarter of five-to-17-year Olds are now fully vaccinated in Walsall, and about 1 in 12 children and young people have had at least one vaccine.
It is not too late for parents and carers to book appointments for their children. This can be done through the national booking system online or by calling 119. Those aged 12 or over can continue to access the vaccination.
We can also adopt simple behaviors by letting in the fresh air, wearing a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces and washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds. By working together and supporting our education settings with their COVID-secure measures, we can protect ourselves and others from COVID and other illnesses. “
