Combine classes in case of Covid staff shortages, DfE tells teachers in England

Tories criticised for failing to tackle Omicron earlier as Covid infections are still highCoronavirus – latest updatesSee all our coronavirus coverageThe government has told headteachers in England to start preparing for staff shortages by using suppor…

Unions criticise English schools ‘more normal year’ campaign as naive

As students are urged to have twice-weekly Covid tests, unions say further measures are needed to reassure parentsA new government campaign urging students in England to have twice-weekly Covid tests for “a more normal year” at school and college has b…