Parents checklist of top tips for return to school and college

Packing the school bag, getting back into the school lunch routine and homework is all on the horizon as children and young people prepare to go back to school next week.

While parents and pupils are making sure everything is ready for the school routine, Wiltshire Council is also sending out some top tips for parents and pupils to consider as schools and colleges return after the summer break.

All schools and colleges will be in touch with parents and pupils on how the autumn term will work but there are also some points families can bear in mind for starting the new academic year.

Ensure your child packs a face covering if they are aged 11 and over for travelling on school transport - the government recommends people still wear face coverings in crowded places and school transport will be one of those

If your child is in secondary school be ready for your child to take two lateral flow tests the first few days of term - your school will advise you of the start of the school day and how this will work in your school

If your child is aged 16 or over encourage them to have the vaccine. More detail on vaccines for 16 to 17 year olds is on GOV.UK (opens new window).

Ensure your child stays at home if they have COVID symptoms and book a PCR test. High temperature, loss of taste and smell and continuous coughing are all signs. As the parents or guardian of the child you will be contacted directly by NHS Test and Trace to establish likely contacts. Just as you would with any illness, do still inform the school.

Take note of how your school will operate from the Autumn term. Each school will have measures in place to ensure they can continue to provide schooling safely. They will give you the latest information on this.

Encourage your child to keep safe  - We can all help each other by regularly washing hands, socially distancing and wearing face coverings in busy places such as school buses to help the fight against COVID

Kate Blackburn, Director of Public Health for Wiltshire said: "The new term is always a busy time and staff work incredibly hard to ensure everything is ready so they can start the academic year well. Once again this year part of that information to parents and carers will include the measures early years, schools and colleges have in place to provide learning while keeping everyone safe. I'd like to wish everyone well on their return after the summer break and encourage everyone to play their part to stay safe."