Students in England’s secondary schools, universities, and some primary schools will return to campus later than originally planned, the government announced on Wednesday.
Secondary school and university students will also be tested upon returning, subject to consent.
In these areas, only vulnerable children and children of critical workers will attend schools face to face.
For secondary schools, exam year students in areas where the education contingency framework is implemented can also attend school.
In secondary schools in other areas, all but vulnerable students and children of critical workers will return a week later than previously planned.
Exam year students will learn remotely during the first week of term, and return to school from Jan. 11, and other students are to return from Jan. 18.
“The wider return of students currently planned for the two-week period beginning 25 January will be kept under review,” the statement reads.
The DfE said that two rapid tests will be available for all secondary and college students and staff and the start of the term, and that all are encouraged to consent to testing.
To support more remote learning, Williamson said that the government expects to deliver more than 50,000 devices to schools across the country on Jan. 4, and another 50,000 during the rest of the week.
“This programme is now being extended to include students aged 16–19 in colleges and schools,” Williamson told Parliament.