Pupils: Coronavirus

(asked on 4th May 2020) - View Source

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to his announcement on 1 May 2020 that schools could reopen on 1 June 2020, what his Department's policy is on pupils who live with people who are vulnerable to covid-19.


Answered by
Nick Gibb Portrait
Nick Gibb
This question was answered on 14th May 2020

We have not set a date for schools reopening. Schools will only reopen when the scientific advice indicates that it is the right time to do so, based on five key tests.

The Department is working in close consultation with the sector as we consider how to reopen schools when the time is right and will ensure everyone has sufficient notice to plan and prepare. The safety of staff, students and their families is our upmost priority.

The Government has published guidance on protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#staying-at-home-and-shielding.

We have also published guidance on social distancing within schools, which includes guidance for staff and pupils who are in a vulnerable health group or live within someone who is:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-social-distancing-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-social-distancing-in-education-and-childcare-settings

These are rapidly developing circumstances. We continue to keep the situation under review and will keep Parliament updated accordingly.

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