Self-isolation confusion hampers schools’ planning

School staff planning for the return of pupils at the start of this term have been hampered by confusion around the reduction in the coronavirus self-isolation period, in particular whether it applies to pupils. From 22 December 2021 the self-isolation period in England for those who test positive for coronavirus was reduced from ten days to seven. However this only applies to those who return two negative lateral flow tests. The tests must be taken, at least 24 hours apart, on day 6 and 7 of the self-isolation period. However, for those ending self-isolation early the guidance also ‘strongly’ advises that they ‘limit close contact with other people outside your household, especially in crowded, enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces’ and also limit ‘contact with anyone who is at higher risk of severe illness if infected with COVID-19’. It was therefore initially unclear if the reduced self-isolation period would apply to school pupils, as in returning to school they would be mixing with others outside their household. In some settings they would also be mixing with vulnerable individuals at higher risk of severe illness.

The full guidance (available here: https://tinyurl.com/4mtwcckb) from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) now states that the reduced self-isolation period does apply ‘to children and young people who usually attend an education or childcare setting’. School staff will also potentially be able to take advantage of reduced self-isolation in line with the guidance provided they are fully vaccinated (at least 2 doses of an approved vaccine), as this is a requirement for those aged 18 and a half or older.

As there are various aspects of the UKHSA guidance which are open to interpretation, it was expected that the Department for Education (DfE) would provide more detailed guidance to education settings on how it should be implemented. However as Greensheets went to print the DfE was receiving criticism for not providing such guidance in a timely manner. On 30 December Stuart Guest, Headteacher at Colebourne Primary School in Birmingham, took to Twitter to note that his school would continue to retain 10 day isolation for staff and pupils pending ‘direct guidance’ from the DfE. On the same day Geoff Barton, general secretary of the ASCL told The Independent that the new rules on self-isolation were ‘confusing’ because ‘they advise to avoid crowded spaces after the seventh day which is obviously difficult in a school or college.’ Mr Barton said his union would seek further clarification from the DfE, adding ‘It would be a good idea if the government gave more thought to these things before it announces them.’