Guidance Update for Out-of-School Settings

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