Department of Education school activity update

Wednesday 24th February 2021

Following the Prime Minister’s announcement on lockdown restrictions being lifted over the next few months, the Department of Education has released the below statement on physical activity in schools.

You may notice a slight change in style, but we have not made any substantive changes from the current guidance position.  Sections of particular interest are page 58 on Physical Activity in schools and page 51 on Wraparound and extra-curricular activity:  Schools coronavirus (COVID-19) operational guidance (publishing.service.gov.uk).  The separate guidance on wraparound and extra-curricular is scheduled to be published tomorrow (23rd Feb).

You may wish to note a slight update to the line on inter-school competition, which now reads ‘Competition between different schools should not take place until wider grassroots sport for under 18s is permitted.’  This is to help align with DCMS guidance on grassroots sport.

The department has issued updated guidance on face coverings for secondary pupils. To note the additional information on face masks for physical activity (page 12): In addition, we now also recommend in those schools, that face coverings should be worn in classrooms or during activities unless social distancing can be maintained. This does not apply in situations where wearing a face covering would impact on the ability to take part in exercise or strenuous activity, for example in PE lessons.

We are working closely with Sport England and our colleagues within the physical activity sector to further understand the impact of the various stages of restrictions lifting and will continue to bring you the latest updates.

 

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