Post COVID-19 transition Guidance Information for all phases

We are all looking forward to the next step in the Governments road map out of the current pandemic. June 21 marks the start of restrictions being lifted. Although the pandemic will not be over, we will all learn to manage and live with COVID-19 in a new way. 

Warwickshire Common Induction Day for schools is scheduled for Wednesday 7 July. This date has gone through various committees to get approval. At this point it may not be possible to change, unless there is a need to do so. Common Induction Day is mainly for Year 6 moving to Year 7 in a different setting. Many schools, have in the past, used this as their transition day for all other groups. 

However, this does not have to be the case. Schools may choose to run their transition days at any point towards the end of term. This guidance has been written to give suggestions as to how this might look.  

It is advised that schools consider the mental health and well-being of children, young people and staff when considering transition arrangements. Schools may choose a more cautious approach based on their own risk assessments. For example, by releasing all restrictions when current routines are well embedded might seem to be the best option, we do need to remember that should another wave occur or a new variant increases case numbers significantly, we may need to revert back to current routines. This could impact on the mental health of our children, young people and staff. 

Schools and settings may wish to change their transition day to a Friday. That way, the classroom will be cleaned, there will be 48 hours of space before the children return on Monday.  

Officially, we will be in the final stage of the road map. Parents and Carers may see this a cue to revert back to “normal” and may be expecting schools to do the same. It is advisable to start informing parents now of what June 21st onwards may look like, particularly if you are planning a cautious approach.