It was back to school and colleges today 8 March for pupils across Dorset, and indeed across England.

There will be appropriate testing in order to keep pupils, staff and families safe.

Secondary school pupils and primary and secondary school staff will have access to rapid lateral flow testing as will households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary-age pupils who can now get two rapid COVID-19 tests per person per week.

Households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary staff will also have access to rapid lateral flow testing.

Secondary school pupils will be asked to take their first three tests at their place of study supervised by a trained operator, and their fourth test at home using a home test kit. Pupils will then continue taking twice-weekly tests using a home test kit provided by their school.

Members of households, childcare or support bubbles of school staff and pupils (excluding secondary school pupils, and primary and secondary school staff, who should take tests provided by their school) can get a twice-weekly test as follows – through their employer if they offer testing to employees – by collecting a home test kit from a test site or by ordering a home test kit online.

Adults and students in year 7 and above will now be asked to wear face coverings (unless they are exempt) in all indoor settings. This extra temporary precaution will be reviewed at Easter.

School Transport in Dorset will run as normal. Young people will continue to be asked to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt,  including  if they are aged 11 and under). It is important that they are worn for the entirety of the journey, including inside a bus or train station.

For children anxious about the return to school there is a Covid helpline on 01258 474036.