Advisors on hand to help schools stay Covid-secure

Covid Support Advisors are on hand to help keep the city's schools safe from coronavirus.

They have been out and about at local schools to engage with parents and children at the school gates – advising them on social distancing and the importance of wearing face coverings and handing out face coverings for people who need them.

Emma Bennett, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Director of Children's Services, said: "We need to do all we can to make sure our schools remain safe so that we don't see a spike in infections in the weeks and months ahead.

“That's why it is important that parents and carers wear a face covering and maintain social distancing when they are dropping off or picking up children from school, and leave the school premises as soon as they have done this, and that children wash their hands more often, wear a face covering where required and stay in their class or year group bubble at all times.

"Most children and adults are doing a great job of following the guidelines and, with the help of our Covid Support Advisors, we are encouraging even greater adherence to the rules.”

She added: “There have been reports of some older children congregating in groups in the city centre or parks and play areas at the end of the school day, as they would do in normal times.

“Please could I urge parents to remind their children to return straight home at the end of the school day and not to meet up with friends as it is not yet safe for them to do so.”

Thirty 30 schools have so far taken up the offer of support and any other schools which would benefit from help from the Covid Support Advisors are invited to email publichealth@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

Commercial Regulation Manager Chris Howell said: "Our Covid Support Advisors have enjoyed some very positive interactions with parents, children and teaching staff, helping people to play their part in the fight against Covid-19. It's clear that the vast majority of parents and children are trying their best to keep their school Covid-secure.”