Schools and learning

Planning for schools and early years settings in September

Find information about planning for early years settings in September. 

Dorset schools are expected to re-open for all pupils in all year groups in September 2020. Schools will follow guidance from the Department for Education (DfE) and will continue to be supported by the council. Individual schools will confirm arrangements with parents and carers directly.

Safety in schools

Read the government's guidance for opening schools and educational settings. You can also speak to your child's school to find out more about the measures they're taking to help keep your child safe. Schools have carried out risk assessments and are following government and council advice. 

Changes in schools

School will be different. Arrangements will vary as every school is different and what works in one school may not work for another. Children will be taught in separate groups or 'bubbles' to minimise contact. All children will have to wash their hands more frequently. Your child's school will always try to act in your child's best interest.

Changes to breakfast, after school clubs and holiday clubs

Schools can offer breakfast, after school and holiday clubs if they are able to. They will need to meet the guidance on protective measures so may need to run clubs differently to usual. Contact your child's school for details.

Out of school settings can open to children and young people of all ages if they can meet the guidelines. Read the guidance on children attending out of school settings.

Extension of age range at Wimborne First School

We're consulting on changes to provision at maintained schools, including altering of upper or lower age range by one year or more (including the removal of nursery provision).

We propose the following changes:

• Wimborne First School to extend their provision to open as Wimborne First and Nursery School with effect from 1 September 2020
• Wimborne First School will then formally extend their age range from 4 to 9 years to 2 to 9 years provision from 1 September 2020

Find out more about the proposed changes to the age range for Wimborne First School.

Anyone can submit comments. Send your comments, both positive and negative to Ed Denham in School Organisation by email: schoolorganisation@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk

Or by letter to:

Ed Denham
School Organisation
Dorset Council
County Hall
Dorchester 
DT1 1XJ

This is in accordance with Schedule 3 of the School Organisation (Prescribed Alterations to Maintained Schools) (England) Regulations 2013.