Delayed return to school now for many Melton students

Rising infection rates and the spread of the more infectious coronavirus variant has prompted a change of plan on the planned staggered return to school.

Only youngsters classed as vulnerable and those with keyworker parents can now go back on Monday to the town’s Long Field Academy and John Ferneley College, and to Priory Belvoir Academy at Bottesford.

Students in the exam years - Years 11 and 13 - can return on Monday January 11 and the rest of the pupils on the following Monday.

Remote learning will take place at home for those youngsters who do not immediately go back next week.

Rapid result coronavirus tests will be carried out on students as they return to school with staff members also being tested.

One of the reasons for today’s changes, according to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, are to give more time for these tests to be completed in schools.

Brooksby Melton College is also staggering the return of its students as a result of the increasing concerns over spread of coronavirus.

There will not now be a full return to college of all learners and apprentices for face-to-face learning until week beginning Monday January 18.

Students can return weeks beginning January 4 and January 11 if they have exams to sit on those weeks.

All other learners, including apprentices, will move to online learning until they can return to college from January 18.

All primary school children in the borough can return, as planned, on Monday.