All schoolchildren across Lancashire will be welcomed back into their classrooms from Monday 8 March.

This move follows last week’s Government announcement, which set out that bringing children back into schools was the first part of the national coronavirus roadmap.

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The Government has set out actions schools must take to reduce the risk of the virus being spread.

All Lancashire’s schools continue to be supported to put the necessary measures in place by the county council.

The measures include:

• Access systems to ensure children keep to social distancing guidelines.
• Use of ‘Bubble’ groups to minimise transmission and the need to isolate.
• Varied start, lunch and finish times and timetable changes to minimise contact between groups.
• Robust hygiene measures to prevent the spread of infection.
• Rapid asymptomatic testing is in place in our secondary schools for pupils and staff; and for staff in primary and early years foundation stage EYFS settings.

The latest coronavirus stats in your area can be seen below

Teachers and school staff have been working hard to ensure schools have remained open throughout lockdown.

They have been delivering and providing a wide range of remote learning, as well as teaching vulnerable children and children of key workers in the classroom.

Read more: Covid-19 cases in Preston and South Ribble, ranked lowest to highest by area

County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for children, young people and schools, said: “It is absolutely fantastic that we can now welcome all our children back into the school classroom – the best place for them to learn.

“Schools have been working very hard to get ready and put measures in place to reduce the likelihood of Covid-19 spreading.

Read more: Lancashire’s director of public health addresses Preston’s stubborn Covid infection rate

“Teachers and school staff have done a tremendous job of ensuring schools deliver remote learning. They have also supported vulnerable children and children of key workers throughout lockdown.

“We have all been looking forward to pupils being back together in the classroom again. This lockdown has been a very difficult time for parents and children, and we thank them for their continued support and patience.

“We urge everyone to follow the coronavirus rules so we can keep our schools open and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”

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