This week, all pupils in schools and colleges across England are returning to face-to-face education at school, as part of Step One on our roadmap to recovery, so they are back in the best place for their education, development and wellbeing - the classroom.
Our teachers have been working incredibly hard over the last few months, both teaching those children who have been in school, and also remote teaching through online live teaching and setting work for those at home. Alongside this, they have set up testing in our secondary schools fort those returning this week. I'm delighted that one of our local schools was involved in the pilot of this testing programme, and that they have been able to share their expertise with other local schools.
We know how important it is for every child to be back in the classroom where they belong, not only for their education but for their wellbeing, which is why we rightly prioritised education in our first step towards easing restrictions.
To support their full return, we are providing 57 million rapid tests to schools and colleges to help identify cases and break the chains of transmission; and this testing is in addition to existing safety already in place which will all help keep staff and students safe, and crucially, in class.
This moment marks a truly important step on our path to national recovery from the pandemic, allowing young people to receive the world-class education they deserve, as we move closer to a sense of normality.
IIn addition, parents at home can do fast coronavirus tests, to help pick up asymptomatic cases, and provide reassurance. You can find out more, and order the test here
