SHROPSHIRE Council is working closely with schools to ensure they are supported and ready to begin face-to-face lessons for all pupils from this Monday.

All schools are working hard to ensure measures are in place to keep pupils and staff as safe as possible schools will be in contact with parents about their arrangements.

Here's what to expect when pupils start returning to the classrooms on Monday.

Primary school pupils, secondary school pupils and college students, as well as university students on practical courses who need access to specialist facilities and equipment, will all return on Monday, March 8.

Schools and colleges will be staggering the return of pupils and students over the first week to allow them to be tested for Covid-19 on return.

After an initial programme of three Lateral Flow Tests (LTF) in secondary schools and colleges, secondary school pupils and college students will be provided with two rapid LTFs to use each week at home.

Testing

Under the plans all secondary school pupils and college students will take three LTF as they return to class – then students will be given two tests each week to use at home.

The testing when these older children first go back to school will be under supervision. School staff have been trained on how to carry out, and read the result of, the LTF.

The rapid swab tests are voluntary, and no child or young person will be tested without informed consent from their parent or carer. The tests are to help limit the spread of the virus by identifying people who may be Covid-19 positive but asymptomatic.

Younger, primary-aged pupils will not be tested at schools.

The Government has confirmed rapid LTF will be given for free to all households/families with primary school-aged, secondary school-aged and college-aged children, for twice-weekly testing for all members.

This includes LTF for those from childcare and support bubbles, and twice-weekly testing will also be offered to adults working in the wider school community, including bus drivers and after school club leaders.

These tests will be available to collect at the following local testing sites:

London Road Car Park, Shrewsbury, SY2 6NS

Beatrice Street Car Park, Oswestry, SY11 1QW

Smithfield Car Park, 25 Lower Galdeford, Ludlow, SY8 1RN

Face coverings

Staff and students in secondary schools and colleges should wear face coverings in all areas, including classrooms, where social distancing cannot be maintained.

There are exemptions for those who rely on visual signals for communication, or those who communicate with or provide support to such individuals.

In primary schools, face coverings should be worn by staff and adult visitors in situations where social distancing between adults is not possible (for example, when moving around in corridors and communal areas).

Children in primary school do not need to wear a face covering.

Lockdown measures will still be in place when schools reopen on Monday 8 March.

School transport

Shropshire Council is strongly advising parents and carers to avoid gathering in close groups to catch up or chat outside schools.

Please follow school's instructions on safely dropping off and picking up your children.

Some schools will be arranging staggered dropping off and picking up timings at the beginning and end of the school day to help with this.

Once inside the school gates, the schools will have extensive systems of control in place to ensure the learning environment is safe and secure.

If you have any queries or concerns, call Shropshire Council's Education Line on 0345 678 9008.

This support line is open from 9am to 5pm, Mondays to Fridays. Press 5 for back to school enquiries.