afPE CEO responds to the Prime Minister’s confirmation of the wider opening of schools on 8th March

22/02/21

Following the PMs announcement this evening, confirming the wider opening of schools from 8th March, afPE’s CEO, Sue Wilkinson MBE said:

We are pleased that there will be a planned safe return to the wider opening of schools and we thank all of those who have worked to secure this and to Government for recognising that children’s physical, emotional and social well being should be at the heart of any recovery plan. However, we would ask that we all take a positive approach and celebrate the outstanding work that the school workforce, parents, carers, volunteers and the children and young people have done; to ensure that their education can continue.

afPE will maintain its commitment to support the workforce with professional development and advice and guidance to enable the school workforce to do their job in the safest of circumstances so that children and young people are taught safely and safety We hope the pathway is positive and that together we can en sure that this unique generation thrive.

Revised DfE guidance can be downloaded HERE.

Important updates include:

‘Competition between different schools should not take place until wider grassroots sport for under 18s is permitted.’ This is to help align with DCMS guidance on grassroots sport.

The DfE has issued updated guidance on face coverings for secondary pupils. To note the additional information on face masks for physical activity (page 12): In addition, we now also recommend in those schools, that face coverings should be worn in classrooms or during activities unless social distancing can be maintained. This does not apply in situations where wearing a face covering would impact on the ability to take part in exercise or strenuous activity, for example in PE lessons.