Schools reopening on March 8: what can and can’t pupils take with them when they return to the classroom
SCHOOL gates reopen on March 8, in the first major step towards our eventual freedom from the third lockdown.
But what are kids allowed to bring into school and what will they have to leave at home?
What are kids allowed to take with them when schools reopen?
Government guidance says that all secondary pupils in England (from year 7) should wear face coverings in the classroom where social distancing can't be maintained.
Lunch box
Yes, children will be allowed to bring lunchboxes with them to school when they reopen.
Dr Jenny Harries said fears over lunch boxes spreading coronavirus were low.
She said: "The issue about lunch boxes is that they're quite personal to the child eating the lunch, and I can almost guarantee that one child won't want to eat the lunch of the one sitting hopefully two metres distance from them."
Pencil case
Hopefully your child's school has set out what pupils can and can't bring into the classroom - and informed you of its updated measures.
It's not clear whether pencil cases can be brought into the classroom as there is no specific advice on this on the government's website.
Water bottles
There has been no official guidance given on whether water bottles will be allowed to be brought into school by children.
Despite this, some schools have said that pupils are allowed to bring in their own water bottles.
Medication
The government has said you should contact your specific school for additional information about medication.
More on SCHOOLS REOPENING
What are kids NOT allowed to take with them when schools reopen?
Children must not bring in any equipment from home. This includes:
- Laptops
- Stationery
These items will be provided by the school.
If you have any specific queries regarding your child, you should contact their school.