Last updated 03 March 2022
Extracted from Further education COVID-19 operational guidance February 2022
On 21 February the Prime Minister set out the next phase of the government’s COVID-19 response. COVID-19 continues to be a virus that we learn to live with and the imperative to reduce the disruption to children and young people’s education remains.
Tracing close contacts and isolation
Public health advice for People with COVID-19 and their contacts changed from 24 February. Contacts are no longer required to self-isolate or advised to take daily tests, and contact tracing has ended.
Face coverings
Face coverings are no longer advised for students, staff or visitors in classrooms, other teaching environments or communal areas. Staff and students should follow wider advice on face coverings outside of their setting, including on transport to and from their setting.
Stepping measures up and down
Centres should have contingency plans outlining how you would operate if you need to take extra measures in exceptional circumstances. Given the detrimental impact that restrictions on education can have on students, any measures in settings should only ever be considered as a last resort, kept to the minimum number of settings or groups possible, and for the shortest amount of time possible.
Mandatory certification
Mandatory certification is no longer in place and so venues and events are not required by law to use the NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry, but some may do so voluntarily. Further information on this is available: Using your NHS COVID-19 Pass for travel abroad and at venues and settings in England. You should not use the NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry for education or related activities such as exams, teaching, or any other day-to-day activities that are part of education or training.
Control measures
You should:
- Ensure good hygiene for everyone.
- Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes.
- Keep occupied spaces well ventilated.
- Follow public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19.
Welcoming students and staff back to the setting
In most cases, parents and carers will agree that a student with the key symptoms of COVID-19 should not attend the setting, where they have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, you can take the decision to refuse the student if, in your reasonable judgement, it is necessary to protect other students and staff from possible infection with COVID-19.
