Schools in Bolton will continue to follow COVID-19 precautions until the end of the summer term to minimise the number of pupils and staff self-isolating at the start of the holidays.
On Monday (July 12) the Prime Minister confirmed that the majority of legal COVID-19 restrictions will be removed from July 19.
However, Bolton Council has written to all head teacher to confirm that schools in the borough should continue with all COVID precautions until the end of term.
This means schools will continue to operate with bubble systems and other precautions such as social distancing and face coverings will remain in place.
Throughout the pandemic, Bolton Council has been in regular contact with schools to provide guidance and will also offer advise ahead of the new term in September.
I wish to thank all our pupils, teachers and school leaders, together with all school staff for their hard work and resilience during this most demanding of years.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Anne Galloway, said:
“With the majority of our schools breaking up just a week or so after the national easing of restrictions, we are advising schools to keep existing measures in place until the end of term.
“Not only will this mean schools can avoid introducing a new set of rules during the last week of term, but it will also reduce the risk of anyone coming into close contact with anyone testing positive for COIVD, forcing them to spend the first weeks of their holidays in self-isolation.
“After an incredibly challenging school year I wish to thank all our pupils, teachers and school leaders, together with all school staff for their hard work and resilience during this most demanding of years. I wish everyone a well-earned, relaxing summer break.”