Coronavirus: School 'bubbles' could end this month

Speaking in the House of Commons earlier today, Mr Williams said he was aiming to ease Covid restrictions in schools, including the use of 'bubbles' and self-isolation, as part of Step 4 of the Covid roadmap, which is due to go ahead next month.

It is unclear whether the requirement will be scrapped before the end of the school term, or for the start of the new academic year.

Mr Williams however reassured MPs that schools will be given ‘good notice’ of any changes.

It comes just days after the health secretary said the requirement for school pupils to self-isolate for 10 days after coming into contact with a positive Covid case could be axed from September.

Responding to the education secretary’s comments today, Labour’s shadow education secretary Kate Green urged the Government for more clarity on the issue. She raised concerns that changing restrictions a week before the end of term could cause chaos for schools and families.

‘Schools, parents and pupils need urgent clarity. If bubbles will end on 19 July, schools need to know now so they can plan,' she said.

‘Action is needed now to protect the final weeks of learning this year, but the Government has had nothing to say about supporting schools to put further mitigations in place. 

‘The Government must stop this drip-feed of information which is wreaking havoc with children’s educations.’

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said, 'No-one wants to see children’s education disrupted any more than it already has been, least of all school leaders. But the delta variant is currently having a very significant impact in schools and the rising numbers we are seeing is a real concern.

'As we move into September, everyone will want to see disruption to education minimised. However, scrapping self-isolation for close contacts would be a very significant step to take, and the onus would be on the government and public health advisors to explain how the alternative arrangements would work and, most importantly, how they will maintain the safety of all members of the school community.'

The union Unison has warned that removing school 'bubbles' and stopping self-isolation will lead to more disruption.

Head of education Jon Richards said, 'Coronavirus cases in schools are at their highest levels since February because the Government has scaled back safety measures.

'Self isolation is one of the proven ways to keep classes under control. it has to be in place at least until the autumn half-term and then reviewed to minimise problems.

'Rather than rolling back effective precautions, the Government must bring back face coverings immediately and place children in smaller bubbles to reduce the risk of disruption.'