As pupils in England head back to class today we answer some of your top questions

Monday 8 March 2021

From today, Monday 8 March, schools in England will be open full time to all pupils.

Unless your child is shielding on medical advice, self isolating or in quarantine, school attendance will be mandatory for children of compulsory school age five-16. In addition, all students aged 16 to 19 in college, or 19 to 25 with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan should attend face to face from 8 March with most of their planned hours on site.

It’s understandable that some parents will be worried out their child’s return to school or college so to help we’ve put together answers to some of your most common questions.

Here you’ll find answers to your questions about school attendance, keeping safe at school, the rules around masks and testing, getting to and from school and more.

You can also read the updated guidance from the Department for Education for parents and carers.

We’re here for you

If you’re worried about any aspect of your child returning to school, you’re not alone. Contact is here for you. You can call our free helpline and speak to our education advisers.

You can also email us at helpline@contact.org.uk or get in touch with our helpline team via Live Chat, Facebook or Twitter.

You can also make an appointment with our telephone Listening Ear service for an informal chat with a family support worker.