Phased return to classroom for Jersey schoolchildren from 8 June

Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois has announced a phased return to school for certain year groups from Monday 8 June. Credit: ITV Channel TV

Jersey's schoolchildren will begin returning to the classroom from Monday 8 June.

The island's Education Minister, Senator Tracey Vallois, has announced a phased return to school for certain year groups:

  • Year six pupils in primary schools will return full time

  • Secondary schools will reopen for some face-to-face teaching for students in years 10 and 12

  • Highlands College will re-open with some face-to-face teaching for students in years 12 and 13

A set number of children will also be able to return to private nurseries in 'bubbles' or small groups, while other children will be able to return to childminders or nannies so long as public health guidelines are followed.

Senator Vallois praised the 'fortitude' of staff, students and parents, saying plans to get children back into classrooms had been 'extremely complex'.

The Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills is working with public health to ensure safety measures are put in place in all schools, including:

  • No symptomatic children or staff being allowed to attend school​

  • Implementing a 'bubble' approach, where groups of children and their teachers will remain together. Strict physical distancing must be maintained between bubbles and children will not be able to interact between them

  • Failing this, pupils and staff must adhere to two metre physical distancing in all areas of the school.

  • Corridors and stairwells will be marked to maintain social distancing

  • Start times, lunch, breaks and pick-ups​ will be staggered

  • Equipment such as music, PE, tablet devices, and books will not be shared if it cannot be cleaned between users​

  • PPE will be made available to staff if a child or staff member becomes symptomatic of the virus in school

  • The frequency of cleaning will be increased

Dr Susan Turnbull, Jersey's Medical Officer of Health, says islanders should feel 'confident' about the return to the classroom.

Individual schools, colleges and early years providers will each have their own plan for re-opening to make sure their arrangements are tailored while also following the guidance.