Schools and families work together to successfully welcome back pupils during the Autumn Term

Cheshire West and Chester Council is thanking pupils, parents and carers and schools for their support in getting children and young people back into the classroom for the Autumn Term.

All schools in the borough have been open since early September and have worked hard adapting their sites and procedures to make them COVID secure for the start of the academic year.

The Council’s Public Health Team have been working closely with schools to ensure that staff know how the NHS Test and Trace Service works to help manage any potential cases of COVID-19 in a school. Scenario planning events have also taken place to help schools to deal with example situations such as a pupil who is symptomatic and what to do if a pupil tests positive for COVID-19.

Councillor Bob Cernik, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: “I’m really pleased that all schools in west Cheshire were able to fully reopen for the autumn term and have welcomed back all year groups successfully.

“Thank you to everyone involved in getting pupils back into the classroom, including parents and carers, who have been following the national and local guidance related to COVID-19.

"For many children being back in the classroom with their friends and teachers will be the best place for them to learn. If a child does need to self-isolate, due to COVID-19, schools have arrangements in place for home learning so that they can keep up with the lessons they are missing at home.

“I would also like to express my thanks to all our schools and their staff who have worked incredibly hard throughout lockdown and over these last few weeks of schools reopening to welcome pupils back and adapt to a new way of working.

“It is early days, but I believe that if we all follow the guidance issued nationally and locally, we can help stop the spread of COVID-19 in west Cheshire and ensure that children can continue their learning in the classroom.”

Please play your part to help stop the spread of the virus by washing your hands regularly, walking or cycling to school if possible and following your schools’ instructions for drop-off and pick-up times.

If you or your child has any COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste) please stay away from school and get a test by visiting: www.nhs.uk or calling 119.