Gladys confirms dates ALL school students will return in NSW – here’s what every parent must know 

School students in NSW will begin a staggered return to face to face learning on Monday, October 18, one week earlier than initially planned.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the return at Thursday’s Covid-19 update.

Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 will return from October 18, with years 2, 6 and 11 to follow on October 25 and years 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10· from November 1.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the return to school plan was always linked to the vaccination rates of the community.

‘We have been clear that a return to school should begin once the state passed 70 per cent fully vaccinated, and thanks to the incredible efforts from the people of NSW, we will reach that milestone sooner than expected,’ Ms Berejiklian said.

‘Managing a return in a school system the size of NSW’s is not a small task. 

‘Keeping the staged approach, but moving it all one week earlier, allows schools to shift their plans forward and still provides time for staff and eligible students to get vaccinated.’ 

Ms Berejiklian said schools preferred a staggered resumption of learning. 

‘Whilst we can bring that start date forward by a week – which I know is welcome relief to students, teachers and families – the staggered recommencement will still be in place,’ she said at Thursday’s NSW Covid update. 

‘At least all students, irrespective of what year they’re in, can look to returning to face-to-face learning a week ahead of schedule.’

It’s expected schools will begin communicating Covid-safe plans to families from next week, including what will happen should a positive case be detected once classes resume.

‘I know there remain some concerns in the community around a return to school, but students, staff and parents should feel confident that this approach allows enough time to make schools as COVID safe as possible,’ Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said.