Parents and carers are being urged to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 when all pupils return to school on Monday (8 March).

They are asked to observe social distancing by staying 2m away from anyone who is not a member of their household or bubble and to wear a face covering while on the school run. 

Family members of pupils and staff are also encouraged to get a free, twice weekly rapid Covid-19 test, either at one of Wolverhampton's rapid test centres – details of these can be found at Coronavirus Testing - or by using home test kits available from GOV.UK

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "It's great news that all pupils will be able to return to the classroom from Monday – many for the first time this year. 

"Our schools have worked with the council's Public Health and Education teams to create the safest possible environments for children and staff, and we need to ensure they stay safe over the coming weeks.

"Everyone has a role to play in this. In particular, I would ask parents and carers to social distance when you are dropping off or picking up children from school, and to leave the school premises as soon as you can – please don’t wait around for any longer than you need to. You should also wear a face covering when you are on the school run, unless of course you are exempt for medical reasons.

“Please also make sure you and other family members have a regular Covid-19 rapid test, which will help keep the virus out of the classroom.

"Children, you can do your bit, too; wash your hands, wear a face covering where required and stay in your class or year group bubble at all times, because the fewer people you meet, the less chance there is for you to accidently spread the virus to others. If you are in secondary school, please also make sure you get a rapid test twice a week. 

"Please stay safe and, above all, enjoy the chance to be back in class with your friends next week."

The latest information and guidance around coronavirus is available at GOV.UK and on the council’s own coronavirus pages. Information about the vaccine can be found at Covid-19 Vaccine. Further details of the lockdown restrictions currently in place, and the answers to frequently asked questions, are available at Covid Alert