Lincolnshire County Council has been working closely with schools to ensure pupils can continue with their education.

Matthew Van Lier, head teacher at Haven High Academy in Boston, explained: "Next week our schools across the county will be welcoming children back into the classrooms. I know this won't be easy for parents or for school staff after such a long time and with the restrictions that have to be in place.

"I want to reassure parents across Lincolnshire that steps have been taken to make schools as safe as possible.

"Expert national guidance continues to repeat there is a low risk to children's health from Covid-19, and significantly more harm in the long-term for children if schools remain closed.

"Lincolnshire County Council has been working closely with schools to ensure pupils can continue with their education. School really is the best place for children to be – not just for their education, but for their wellbeing and routine too.

"A number of important risk reduction measures have been put in place to help students and teachers return to school with confidence.

"Where possible, schools will minimise contact between pupils and teachers by grouping children together, having forward-facing desks in classrooms and making sure staff maintain distance from pupils and their colleagues as much as possible.

"Measures such as staggered break times, increased hygiene and handwashing, and children remaining in their groups will all contribute to minimising risks, while allowing schools to get back to doing what they do best – teaching.

"As well as increased cleaning procedures, schools will make clear that anyone who is ill should stay at home. If there are any new cases of infection, schools know how to act quickly through the national test and trace system to isolate the problem and stop any spread.

"It's going to be a bit different for all, but I know all schools, together with the county council and other partners, remain committed to supporting the education and future of every child. It's our top priority.

"As the start of term approaches, now is the time for families to think about the practicalities of returning to school in September, including planning the school run to avoid public transport where possible.

"There's national guidance for parents on planning for the return to school (www.gov.uk/backtoschool) and I want to thank pupils and parents for their support in getting children and young people back to school across Lincolnshire.

Mark Rainey, children's commissioning manager for Lincolnshire County Council, continued: "Our main priority is to support children and young people to get to and from school safely from September.

"I must stress that all those pupils who are entitled to and who need school transport, will still get it.

"We've been working with transport operators to make sure buses are regularly cleaned, and that advice for passengers is available, including when face coverings should be worn.

"As we know some public transport routes to school are very busy, we've put on extra buses for school children in these areas to relieve this pressure and make journeys safer.

"Children should socially distance from others as much as possible. Those aged 11 and over are recommended to wear face coverings, while those under 11 are encouraged to do so if they can do safely.

"Please encourage young people to also keep their distance wherever possible when they're waiting for transport to school, as well as when they are travelling.

"Schools and colleges should have queuing arrangements in place for picking up and dropping off children at the school gates too, whether they are using school transport or not.

"It's also important to wash hands before and after travelling, and children shouldn't eat on the school bus.

"We're encouraging pupils who can walk or cycle to school, or parents who are able to drive their children to school, to do so. Those who are used to paying a fare to use public transport should only use it if absolutely necessary.

"We are really encouraging pupils to avoid using public transport if they can. This will help us to reduce the number of children and other members of the public mixing together, and help everyone maintain social distancing.

"And of course, no one should travel to school if they are experiencing any coronavirus symptoms, self-isolating, sharing a household with someone who has symptoms, or if the school has told them to stay at home because they have been in close contact with a positive case.

"If you are entitled to school transport but you are not planning to use it this September, please let us know through the simple form on our website, so we know who will be travelling.

"If your situation changes, you will of course be able to start using school transport again."

Full details of the advice and guidance about school transport is available.