Students return to school as facemasks are required in classes once again to help combat spread of Omicron

Masks have returned to West Berkshire classrooms to help reduce the spread of Omicron.

As young people head back to their studies this week, schools have been busy making arrangements to adhere to the latest updated Government guidelines.

Kennet School in Thatcham said it has used its inset day to prioritise the safety of its pupils and offer ‘return to school testing’ for the whole school.

Head teacher Gemma Piper said: “This term we have managed to run return to school testing for the whole school during our staff inset day in order to get pupils back in the classroom [as soon as possible] without losing any pupil learning days.

“Whilst we would definitely prefer not to have face coverings worn in school, if it however can ensure learning is offered in school every day, then it is of course worth it.”

Other secondary schools across the district have been implementing similar testing arrangements, with all schools returning on different days across the week.

St Bartholomew's in Newbury has been staggering the start day for different year groups as it continues to test every student in school before the term begins.

The school has also been holding online lessons for those years who are being tested later in the week.