BSA UK lockdown update: 05.01.21 - morning briefing No images? Click here Dear Colleagues,Yesterday, the Prime Minister and the First Minister of Scotland announced new lockdown measures for England and Wales. The Welsh Government raised the COVID level to 4 and the Northern Ireland Executive has extended the period of remote learning for schools.BSA has been in communication with the DfE and devolved education departments about arrangements for boarding and we will send a further briefing this afternoon with more detail following a stakeholder call with DfE and ISC. As we await further guidance/detail, below is what we know thus far. EnglandThe full national lockdown guidance can be found here. Related education guidance is anticipated today. BSA spoke with DfE officials last night and they confirm international pupils who are in transit or have already arrived at school and are unable to return home can receive remote education in their boarding houses. Vulnerable children or children of critical workers should continue to receive face to face education. Northern IrelandThere will be an extended period of remote learning for schools in Northern Ireland. It is believed the stay-at-home message will be in place "for the rest of January, probably into February" according to First Minister Arlene Foster. More detail is expected today. ScotlandFrom 5 January to 29 January, schools can only open to in-person learning for children of key workers and vulnerable children, with remote learning for all other children and young people from 11 January to 29 January. WalesThe full 'Alert level 4' advice can be found here and education guidance here. All schools and colleges (including independent schools) will move to online learning until January 18 except for children of critical workers and vulnerable learners as well as for learners who need to complete essential exams or assessments. The BSA is working closely with the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and all member associations to provide schools with advice and guidance in relation to coronavirus (COVID-19). However, please note that the BSA nor the other associations referenced are medical, statutory or legal authorities and advice must be read in that context. Best wishes,
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