PUBLIC health chiefs in Northwich and Winsford are supporting the return of children to school in September – insisting it is as safe as possible.

A letter has been sent to schools, parents and carers by Cheshire West and Chester Council setting out the steps taken to make schools safer environments in the pandemic.

It says the approach being used by schools across Northwich and Winsford has been informed by the current scientific evidence and is based on comprehensive risk assessments.

Ian Ashworth, director of public health, wrote: “As a result of the evidence and the interventions our schools are introducing, I am extremely supportive of the approach to return staff and pupils to the school environment.

"It is essential that our children and young people can continue with their learning to enable them to achieve their full potential."

Schools across the borough will be following national guidance and implementing enhanced cleaning regimes, encouraging regular handwashing throughout the school day and teaching pupils in ‘bubbles’ to limit their exposure to other children.

Cllr Bob Cernik, cabinet member for children and families, said: “Since the Government’s announcement in July that schools would be re-opening to all pupils from the autumn term the council has been working closely with partners, including the Department for Education and Public Health England, to ensure that schools feel supported to do this in a safe way.

Knutsford Guardian:

“We understand that pupils and parents may be feeling anxious as they return next week but I would like to reassure everyone that all practical measures have been put in place to make schools as safe as possible for both pupils and staff.

"I would like to thank all the schools in the borough for the hard work they’ve put in to follow the national guidance and adapt their settings to welcome their pupils back safely.”

Staff and families are being reminded of the steps to prevent the spread of Covid-19:

  • Wash hands regularly with soap and warm water or hand sanitiser
  • Maintain two-metre social distancing where possible
  • Carry a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and then put the tissue in the bin
  • Wear a face covering on public transport and when inside public places
  • If you do display symptoms (high temperature, new and persistent cough, loss or change in sense of taste or smell), stay at home and arrange a free test through nhs.uk or by calling 119 and self-isolate until the result comes back – if the result is positive you should continue to self-isolate for at least 10 days
  • Keep up to date with all of your vaccinations and take part in the flu vaccination programme, and
  • Walk, cycle or scoot to school if you can.