Updated Out-of-School Settings guidance following Step 3 Announcement

Following the PM’s announcement yesterday, there has been changes to out-of-school settings guidance to reflect Step 3 of the roadmap out of lockdown (from 17 May).

The updated guidance is available at the usual links (see below), but also summarised the headline changes in case useful:

•  Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
•  Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Main Updates to the Out-of-school Settings Guidance from Step 3 (17 May)

Indoor Group Sizes

• Until 17 May, if the provision is taking place indoors, and it is not possible to group children in the same bubble as they are in during the school day, you should keep children in consistent groups of no more than 15 children and at least one staff member. 
• From 17 May, in line with the commencement of Step 3 of the roadmap, we are no longer recommending a specific limit on group numbers indoors. Instead, when you are considering appropriate group sizes, you should take into account factors such as the recommended occupancy levels of the premises you are operating from and levels of ventilation. See the provider guidance for more information.

Parental Attendance at Settings

• We continue to advise that parents and carers should not routinely be present during sessions in out-of-school settings due to the potential increased risk of transmission of COVID-19. 
• Where parents do attend a session, you should consider the ability to maintain social distancing, levels of ventilation, and the recommended occupancy levels of the premises you are operating from. 
• These factors may mean that you are unable to accommodate or have to limit the number of parents and carers that are present during a session.

Face Coverings in Schools/ FE Colleges

• This will only be relevant to those of you who operate from a school/ FE premises.
• From 17 May, in line with Step 3 of the roadmap, face coverings will no longer be recommended in classrooms and in all communal areas for children in year 7 and above. 
• Face coverings will also no longer be recommended for staff in classrooms. 
• We continue to recommend that face coverings should be worn by staff and visitors in situations outside of classrooms where social distancing is not possible (for example, when moving around in corridors and communal areas).

If you have any questions please let us know.

Best wishes,

Anne-Marie

Anne-Marie Mongan | Policy Adviser | Out-of-school Settings, Wraparound, and Integration UnitEmail: anne-marie.mongan@education.gov.ukgov.uk | Twitter | Facebook Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BT