A message from Hartlepool Borough Council and school leaders

"Children, young people, parents and carers will be aware of the recent Government announcement on the plans to re-open schools to all students on Monday 8 March for primary schools and from Monday 8 March for secondary schools. 

"School leaders and their teams are delighted to be welcoming their pupils back to school and parents and carers will get letters and messages from their child’s school regarding the re-opening arrangements. 

"The Prime Minister outlined that he wants the current lockdown to be the last. Therefore, in Hartlepool, it is so important that everyone continues to play their part in bringing the COVID rates down, as they have done over the last eight weeks, so that our children and young people do not have any further disruption to their learning and positive experiences in school.

"As your children return to school, remember the importance of social distancing, particularly at the start and end of the school day and please do not congregate around school gates. 

"Although we want our children to see their friends and enjoy activities out of school, this is not yet permitted, so please follow the restrictions that continue to be in place for the next few months. 

"In secondary schools, pupils will be asked to take twice weekly COVID tests, the first three tests will take place in school and then pupils will be asked to complete the test at home. Please support your child to take the tests and wait for the results. Where a child tests positive for COVID-19 it is essential that they go home straight away if they are in school or do not attend school if the test was taken at home. Pupils and their close contacts will be required to isolate for 10 days before they are able to return to school. 

"If we all work together to keep the virus rates coming down in Hartlepool, this will make sure that our children and young people can enjoy the rest of the school year with as little disruption as possible."