In preparation for next week's return to the classroom, local schools have been following government guidance to ensure that their premises are Covid-secure.

Unless they are classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable, pupils at Frodsham and Helsby's primary schools, as well as Helsby High School, will be returning on Monday 8 March.

Helsby High School pupils will now be required to wear face coverings where a social distance of two metres cannot be maintained. This will include in classrooms and communal areas.

Secondary pupils will also be encouraged to take a rapid result Covid-19 test as they return. Three tests will be done on the school premises, three to five days apart, and home testing kits will be provided to families to test twice weekly thereafter.

If you're a member of a household, childcare bubble or support bubble of staff or a pupil in primary or secondary school you can also get a twice-weekly rapid lateral flow test.

You can collect two packs of home test kits at a local collection point, which are open daily from 1pm to 7pm.

Full details of where you an access a test can be found on the GOV.UK website.

The below additional measures are already in place in schools across the borough and will remain for this term.

• All adults to wear a face covering when visiting or entering the school premises including outdoor yard areas.

• Parents/carers to arrive and leave promptly when dropping off/collecting their child - please do not congregate and maintain social distancing as we know that the virus is easily transmitted from person to person.

• In schools where it has been agreed that a parent/carer can enter the school premises for drop off and pick up, only one adult should enter.

• Young people to avoid congregating outside school, mixing with pupils from other schools and go directly home.

• Pupils travelling on mainstream home to school transport or those aged 11 years and over travelling on public transport must wear a face covering unless they are exempt. This includes pupils travelling on SEN transport.

From the 8 March the Test and Trace Support Payment Scheme will be extended to assist parents and guardians whose child is required to self-isolate.

This is restricted to one parent or guardian who are unable to work due to caring for a child who is required to self-isolate.

For more details, visit the Cheshire West and Chester Council website.