Back to school

Returning to school in 2022 

Last updated: Monday 10 January 2022.

Schools have had staff shortages due to staff sickness and the need to self-isolate because of COVID-19. In extreme cases, this could force individual schools to close in response to the spread of virus as well as for business continuity reasons.

Children and young people will also need to stay at home if they have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19. 

Children and young people aged under 18 years 6 months who usually attend school and have been identified as a close contact are NOT required to self-isolate, but instead should take daily lateral flow tests for seven days. This is a change from previous guidance (which advised a one-off PCR test).​

The government is temporarily recommending that face coverings are worn in classrooms and teaching spaces for students in Year 7 or above.

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. 

Follow the council on social media, search for @TowerHamletsNow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

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)