Schools have created “year bubbles” of up to 240 pupils amid the Covid-19 crisis, after guidance brought in by the Government as part of plans to keep students and staff safe as schools reopen this week.
Bubbles of entire secondary school year groups are meant to limit the number of interactions between pupils. Smaller bubbles, which could be a single class, are also a possibility.
That means that groups of up to 240 students could be kept apart within a school, with a separate time for starting and finishing – and if anyone in the bubble gets ill, everyone else could also be sent home.
Here's what you need to know about school bubbles.
What are whole-year bubbles?
In secondary schools, the whole-year bubble approach will mean that groups of up to 240 pupils which form a single academic year group could be kept apart from other year groups.
The measures could mean students from each year group starting school and finishing lessons at separate times.
It could also mean all students from a particular year group will be sent home if any Covid-19 case is confirmed in the group, where they would have to study online.
This would be a "last resort", according to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson. "We hope we won't have to implement the guidance," he added.
Paul Whiteman, leader of the National Association of Head Teachers, said: "Keeping schools open has to be the priority, but you don't need a crystal ball to see that there will almost inevitably be some disruption in some areas in the coming weeks."
Meanwhile Patrick Roach, general secretary of teachers' union NASUWT, said ministers should be aware of potential disruption and make contingency plans.
He added: "The availability of staff where there is a local lockdown or outbreak may mean that schools have to limit provision if they cannot be staffed safely.
How else are students being kept safe?
Students and staff in secondary schools that are in areas with additional coronavirus restrictions have to wear face coverings in communal spaces like corridors. Those in other schools do not.
Other measures include introducing staggered start times in some schools, facing all desks forward to avoid children sitting opposite each other, keeping indoor spaces ventilated and cleaning surfaces regularly.
