CREWE schools will retain staggered starts and finishes and one-way systems although there will be a gradual reduction in Covid-secure measures when terms starts.

There will also be an emphasis on good hygiene and ventilation to ensure local schools welcome back pupils safely next week.

Cheshire East Council has worked with education staff over the summer to ensure arrangements nullify the potential risks of having large numbers of children in close proximity despite the lifting of national restrictions.

In a letter addressed to all parents and carers, the council has provided families with information explaining the new arrangements in place which have changed since before the school holidays.

The plan is to gradually reduce previous safety measures, but by keeping a close eye on local data. Education and public health teams will monitor the impact of changes on positive cases and use this to inform the pace at which further measures are removed.

Some staggered starts and finishes and one-way systems will be kept, but schools will no longer be required to have all desks facing forward and keep children in strict bubbles.

But for those pupils travelling to school on public transport they are still advised they wear face coverings.

While there is no requirement for pupils to isolate if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, secondary schools are carrying out two lateral flow device tests for every pupil in year 7 and above, three to five days apart, on their return.

And with vaccinations now available for young people aged 16 and 17, Cheshire East is urging eligible pupils to take up the offer quickly; children aged 12 to 15 with underlying health conditions are now eligible for the vaccine.

Jacky Forster, director of education and 14-19 skills at Cheshire East Council, said: "We've been working closely with schools and colleges over the summer to finalise what measures need to be in place for the new academic year.

"I know that teachers, school and college staff are looking forward to welcoming children and young people back and I'd like to thank them for all their hard work in carefully planning and reviewing existing safety measures, ensuring that they are ready to open next month."

Schools and colleges have also drawn up outbreak management plans to action if children or staff test positive for Covid-19.