Planning Covid-19 Compliant Events in the Summer Term

Who would have thought June 21^st 2021 would be a date with such significance?!

Virtually all schools are daring to dream that they may be able to hold the traditional end of term events, including Speech Days, Summer Fairs and End of Term Ceremonies, which would bring a great deal of relief to those who have worked so hard over the last year in very difficult circumstances, staff, pupils and parents alike.

However, it is clear the pandemic is not over. We all wish it was, but it isn’t. But we are at least, in a considerably better position than last year; with less cases, more vaccinations and testing, greater awareness and clearer evidence of how to reduce viral spreading and contamination and we can potentially look forward to the elimination of restrictions should the final step of the Government roadmap be enabled on June 21^st.



Whatever schools decide to do in the coming weeks will need to include a thorough risk assessment and it would be good to consider at least some of the Covid-19 controls we are now so used to as we may well need them to allow to put on an event. The challenges at present are that with lower risk comes less mandatory requirements, meaning it is now much more up to schools to decide on the best possible precautions.

When assessing events, all schools will need to take into account what is available to them, including the facilities available, both permanent and temporary, the numbers of staff and pupils and how much of an event could be held outside or inside.

Here are some further considerations when planning events.

First, it is good to remember that we may be faced with three different scenarios, come June 21^st:

Scenario 1 – All restrictions relaxed

Scenario 2 – Current restrictions maintained past 21^st June

Scenario 3 – Restrictions increased (possibly due to variant surge)

It would be prudent to make plans taking into account each of the scenarios and to have a thoroughly worked plan for each, bearing in mind that we actually know very well what to do in the event of restrictions increasing, with the experiences of the previous year to draw on.

It is likely that whatever is planned, large scale indoor events will likely be challenging and you may well decide that they need to be avoided together this year. Even though we do not have specific recommendations, the recent trial events at football stadiums are operating with limited numbers, as are other concert venues, with capacities well below 50% of their normal levels.

If it is felt that an indoor event may be possible in your circumstances, then it would still be prudent to seat guests apart so as to allow them to socially distance and wear face coverings, to allow for maximum ventilation, limiting the time spent inside and ensuring a thorough and regular cleaning regime. It may also be wise to keep performers within their school bubbles.

One way to control numbers would be by means of issuing tickets to those invited and to ensure arrangements are in place to prevent unauthorised entry.

Consider also the potential impact of a ‘one-off’ event, especially if your arrangements have been reasonably restricted throughout the pandemic as this may raise issues of inconsistency to allow gatherings with large numbers mixing.

Whatever the situation, it is clear that some precautions will be needed but if these arrangements are considered carefully and early enough, then events can still be enjoyed by all who are able to attend.

Please feel free to talk through your plans with our team as usual.

Final point… you might also want to consider a wet weather plan…