Hounslow Council has set out its plans for the new school term.

The borough is currently in tier 4 and last week the government announced that it would be among those high-risk areas that would see a return to schools delayed.

Only vulnerable children and children of critical workers will attend secondary school from today (Monday 4 January).

All other pupils will receive remote education at home, with priority being given to those in exam years.

In the week of 11 January those children in exam years (years 11 and 13) will start attending school along with vulnerable children and children of critical workers.

This will continue until Monday 18 January when all children will return to school, based on government guidance. Schools will advise parents and staff directly. Vocational exams that were scheduled in January will proceed as planned.

The council will be involved in the roll-out of rapid, asymptomatic testing in secondary schools and colleges across the borough from the beginning of January onwards to help reduce the spread of Coronavirus.

All schools and colleges in the borough with secondary-age pupils and students, including special schools and alternative provision, will be offered testing.

Arrangements for carrying out the rapid tests will vary by individual school or college and headteachers will be advising parents and staff directly to confirm details.

Only vulnerable children and children of critical workers will attend at primary school from today.

All other pupils will receive remote education at home. This arrangement will continue until Monday 18 January, 2021 based on government guidance.

Schools will advise parents and staff directly. Children with special educational needs in the primary years (1-6) who are identified as vulnerable children will attend at school from Monday 4 January, 2021.

Woodbridge Park education service – All children attending this school should attend from the week beginning Monday 4 January.

Nursery (Early Years) and childminders - Open as usual from Monday 4 January, or at an alternative date set by the provider of the service. Nursery and early years providers will be able to advise parents directly.