Coronavirus - self-isolation for Middleton Cheney school pupils has been halved

Chenderit, where pupils returned to school after their period of self-isolation was halved

The children had been told to self-isolate for 14 days after returning from Italy, in accordance with guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), which in turn was taking advice from the Government.

This week, head Jane Cartwright said the DfE guidance had changed and so the children had been expected to return to school a week after their return from a history trip to Rome.

Mrs Cartwright said: "Throughout we have followed the DfE guidance and we continue to do so. On Friday, March 13, this guidance was withdrawn."

Mrs Cartwright said the information was available online - see here."In light of this, those students and staff who had not exhibited any symptoms were permitted to return to school today," she said.

"Today (Monday) we have also taken the decision to cancel our educational visit to Iceland. Again, we have followed the DFE's advice which states 'the government advises against all overseas education trips for children under 18'.

The school had its April skiing trip to Italy cancelled by the tour company.

Parents on social media with children with medical conditions said they would consider keeping them away from school. One said she would be prepared to pay a fine if the system was ruthless but she was not prepared to put her child at risk.