Schools given Covid guidance by West Berkshire Council

Schools in West Berkshire are being asked to bring back 'bubbles' and get pupils to wear masks.

Officers from West Berkshire Council met with headteachers on Friday after Covid rates in the district had increased by 45 per cent among 11- to 16-year-olds.

"We are recommending a number of protective measures that schools could put in place going forward to reduce the risk of transmission within educational settings across the district," said a spokesperson.

"This includes the wearing of face coverings in certain circumstances, reducing contact and mixing between year groups (if possible), and the use of testing."

Headteachers were also sent a letter which referenced the importance of vaccinations, including booster doses, and the national 12-15 programme being delivered by the School Aged Immunisation teams.

The meeting discussed timescales, including the need to review measures, as well as responding to changing circumstances such as school outbreaks.