Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance on schools reopening

Summary of changes

Version 1.0 - 21 December 2020

First version of document

Version 2.0 - 21 January 2021

Update to supplementary guidance following the decision to delay the reopening of schools, originally planned for 18 January. Updates effective from 21 January 2021.

Version 3.0 - 16 February 2021 

Significant updates to reflect new arrangements for a phased return to school as announced on 2 February and confirmed on 16 February. 

Version 4 - 8 March 2021

Reduced in length to provide a clearer focus on what is new:

• Summary of phase 2 plans for reopening (paras 1-4)
• Updated background section (paras 5-7)
• Plans for more children and young people to return to school from 15 March (paras 8-19)
• Changes re school age childcare (para 20)
• Changes re senior phase learners in college (para 21)
• Update on necessary mitigations (para 22-26)
• Physical distancing, including 2m distancing requirement for secondary learners (para 27)
• Revised school transport arrangements (paras 28-34)
• Face coverings (paras 35-39)
• Ventilation (paras 40-42)
• Updated text on testing (paras 43-46)
• Updated text on people who are shielding (paras 47-49)
• Plans for phase 2 vaccine roll out (paras 50-55)
• Updated text on remote learning (paras 56-59)
• Update on plans for national qualification (paras 60-62)
• Information for residential providers
• removed chapters on: P1-3 return to school, senior phase practical tasks, employees/employers, school trips and communication