Hemel Hempstead schools ready to welcome children back next month

Hertfordshire’s schools and colleges are looking forward to welcoming back all children and young people as they return to school this September.

Throughout the summer Hertfordshire County Council's schools, their operational staff and teachers have been working hard to make sure that schools and colleges are as safe as possible for the new school term.

Schools have had to complete thorough risk assessments and are following the latest advice and guidance from the Government and Public Health England.

Things will feel very different this term, some children and young people may have not attended school physically for some time, so it is important that the council helps them prepare for these changes.

With the help of some local teachers Hertfordshire County Council has created this video to help young people understand what changes to the school day might look like, although every school will be different. Please watch and share this with your children: www.youtube.com/watch.

Terry Douris, executive member for education, libraries and localism at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “It’s vital that children and young people return to school and college for their educational progress, wellbeing, and for their wider development.

"We continue to work with schools to provide the latest guidance and help them put safety measures and systems in place, so that children can get back to school safely for the start of the new school term in September.

“We’re so grateful to parents and carers for all they’ve done to support their children’s education during the pandemic, we know this hasn’t been easy.

"Our teachers and school staff cannot wait to welcome you all back, they’ve worked hard to minimise the risks to our young people and to keep themselves and others safe at school.

"They now need your co-operation to help get our kids back into the classroom and achieving to their full potential.”

As well as your children’s emotional wellbeing, the council is asking parents to think about your family’s journey to and from school or college.

The council has been working with its Highways colleagues and bus and train operators across the county to ensure the return to school journeys are as safe as possible.

If your children use public transport to travel to school, things will be different when they return.

Young people, aged 11 and over, will be required to wear a face covering (unless exempt), social distancing measures will be in place and you might want to provide them with a contactless payment method.

If your children normally travel using a home to school transport service, providers will be following the latest guidance and advice to ensure these journeys are safe.

Walking or cycling to school allows greater opportunities for social distancing, it is also great for the environment.

Hertfordshire has robust plans in place to manage any local outbreaks of coronavirus and are working closely with schools and all education providers to support them should they have any reported cases.

Please play your part in helping to keep communities safe:

- Wash your hands

- Keep your distance – especially if using public transport and when dropping or collecting children from school

- Wear a face covering where required

- If you or your children have symptoms please do not go to school – book a test, start self-isolating and let your school know.

For the latest guidance about returning to school, travelling to school, free school meals and much more visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/returningtoschool.