Frequently Asked Questions on Returning to School

With pupils returning to school in Bridgend County Borough over the next few days, a set of Frequently Asked Questions has been published on the council website to help prepare parents, carers, guardians and pupils.

It is recommended that all secondary school pupils undertake lateral flow testing before their first day back and continue to take the tests twice a week during the term. Lateral flow tests are only for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms.

If anyone tests positive for Covid-19 or has any coronavirus symptoms they should self-isolate and book a PCR test at their closest test site.

While Welsh Government no longer recommends the routine use of face coverings in the classroom for staff or learners, schools and other settings will determine their use in areas where there is likely to be more social mixing, such as in communal areas. 

The wearing of face coverings is still required by pupils in Year 7 and above when travelling on school transport vehicles.

All schools are ensuring that comprehensive risk assessments are in place as well as good hygiene and adequate ventilation.

While we are at alert level zero, the expectation is that schools and settings should operate as normally as possible from the start of the new term.

The FAQs cover a range of information from uniforms and school dinners to transport and health and safety. We continue to work closely with schools and prioritise the ongoing health, safety and wellbeing of all our pupils.

Councillor Charles Smith, Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration