Back to school

Returning to school in 2022 

Last updated: Thursday 26 May 2022.

Children and young people should stay at home and avoid contact with others for three days if they have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. They should return to their normal routine once they have a normal temperature (less than 37.8°C or no longer hot to touch).

Children with mild symptoms – runny nose, sore throat etc can continue to attend educational settings. Testing should take place once symptoms start.

Children and young people who usually attend school and have been identified as a close contact are NOT required to self-isolate but testing is advised once symptoms start. This is a change from previous guidance (which advised a one-off PCR test).​

Children and young people attending education or childcare settings will not normally be expected to wear a face covering. Face coverings for children under the age of three are not recommended for safety reasons.

If the rate of COVID-19 infection in a particular area or individual education setting substantially increases, increased measures may be introduced at a local or individual school level, respectively. You will be notified accordingly.

If you have any questions, please speak to your child’s school directly.

I want more information 

For the latest information we recommend you visit GOV.UK. 

Visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/coronavirus for the latest on vaccines, testing, holidays activities, and more.  

Sign up to receive our residents’ newsletter by email, which is sent at least once a week and contains the latest information, advice and guidance on COVID-19 as well as other news, updates, events, opportunities, and information from the borough. 

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Guidance 

What parents and carers need to know about early years providers and colleges during COVID-19 

Collected information for families 

Information for parents and carers: coronavirus (COVID-19)