The guidance has now been updated and can be accessed here: Protective measures for holiday or after-school clubs and other out-of-school settings for children during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

The parental guidance has also been updated: Guidance for parents and carers of children attending out-of-school settings during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Changes to the guidance since its 27 September 2021 publication include: 

• Updated advice on isolation to reflect the change in measures for close contacts of suspected or confirmed Omicron cases 

• Updated advice on face coverings to reflect the change in measures – they are now recommended in communal areas in all wraparound childcare and out-ofschool settings for adults and children who were aged 11 and over on 31 August 2021 

• Replacement of references to Public Health England with references to the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) 

• Updated information in the Other considerations section on vaccination of under 18 year olds 

• An updated Educational visits section to advise consideration of any international educational visit

We would like to reiterate that enabling settings to remain fully open for all children is our priority. 

Asymptomatic testing is important in reducing the risk of transmission of infection. It remains voluntary but is strongly encouraged. Staff and secondary aged children should continue to test twice weekly at home, with lateral flow device (LFD) test kits, 3 to 4 days apart. We also recommend all staff and eligible children and young people take up the offer of a vaccine.

Regards,

Candice Mcleod 

Policy Advisor

Non-School Education, Activities and Integration

We know that many out-of-school and holiday clubs will be preparing fun and enriching activities for children and young people ahead of the October half-term. With this in mind, we wanted to take the opportunity to highlight DfE’s updated guidance on COVID-19: Actions for out-of-school settings – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

To help reduce the risk of COVID-19 in the run up to and over the half-term, we are asking all providers, including extra-curricular clubs, private tutors and supplementary schools, to ensure that the guidance is shared with and implemented by all staff members and volunteers. 

Remember: The 4 control measures all settings should continue to follow are—

1.      Ensure good hygiene for everyone

2.      Maintain appropriate cleaning regimes, using standard products such as detergents

3.      Keep occupied spaces well ventilated

4.      Follow public health advice on testing, self-isolation and managing confirmed cases of COVID-19

We strongly encourage all of your staff and secondary aged children to continue asymptomatic testing. This remains an important measure in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 within out-of-school settings and holiday clubs. Staff and secondary aged children should continue to test twice weekly at home, with lateral flow device (LFD) test kits. These can be ordered online: Order coronavirus (COVID-19) rapid lateral flow tests – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

Please communicate this message to staff and parents.

Candice Mcleod 

Policy Advisor

DfE Non-School Education, Activities and Integration