Approach to winter colds will be "proportionate"

Thursday 14 October 2021

A “proportionate” approach will be taken to 'winter colds' in order to keep pupils in school as much as possible.

Restrictions on schoolchildren showing cold-like symptoms have relaxed in recent months so that pupils with a runny nose can still attend their classes and will not need to self-isolate.

However, some restrictions remain in place and the official guidance is that any child with a runny nose plus any other symptoms linked to Covid-19 – such as a headache, cough or fever – should be kept at home and their parents should call the clinical helpline. 

Pictured: From 4 October 2021, PCR tests were no longer required for returning to education after travel.  

A significant milestone was reached earlier in the autumn term with the move from self-isolation to daily lateral flow tests for contacts of Covid cases identified in education settings. 

Deputy Dudley-Owen said that change has made a “positive impact on mental heath and wellbeing that cannot be understated”. 

With the winter approaching, and an increasing emphasis on living responsibly with Covid, she said the guidance in schools will need to focus on keeping children in school as much as possible to avoid disruption to their education.  

“Our staff have worked with Public Health to make sure that a proportionate approach to winter colds can be adopted to allow as many children and young people as possible to stay in school, if they are well enough and have followed the appropriate guidance. 

“This will help keep learning on track and enable parents and carers to stay at work to help support our economic recovery.”