Schools have welcomed pupils back for the Autumn term with less Covid restrictions.
The ‘bubble’ system has ended and close contacts of positive covid cases no longer have to self isolate for ten days, instead taking a PCR test and isolating if positive. But the pandemic is still ongoing, and disruption to education is expected. Indeed, the government has reintroduced its remote education direction, which places a legal duty upon schools to provide immediate remote learning for pupils unable to attend classes due to Covid-19.
This issue of Education Business magazine explains the infection control measures that are continuing in schools despite a relaxation of rules, such as extra hygiene measures and enhanced cleaning. Indoor air quality is also discussed, including the role of ventilation, fresh air and air purification in eradicating virus particles in circulation. And with less chance of catching the virus outside, the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom gives tips and advice on how schools can increase the amount of time they spend outside during the school day.
Elsewhere in the magazine, we give an update on the government’s School Rebuilding Programme, looking at some of the newly confirmed schools, as well as the building projects selected during the first wave of funding. Meanwhile, John McClean from the Joint Union Asbestos Campaign discusses the dangers of asbestos and what needs to happen to tackle the invisible killer.