Headteachers are being told to check on their teachers’ holiday plans in case they are travelling abroad and may need to be in quarantine at the start of next term.

Department for Education guidance published today on the full reopening of all schools from September states that where staff have to be “in quarantine” following a summer vacation, they should be allowed to work from home, if possible.

It states: “We recommend that school leaders discuss leave arrangements with staff before the end of the summer term to inform planning for the autumn term.”

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The guidance continues: “There is a risk that where staff travel abroad, their return travel arrangements could be disrupted due to factors arising beyond their control in relation to coronavirus (Covid-19), such as the potential for reinstatement of lockdown measures in the place they are visiting.

“Where it is not possible to avoid a member of staff having to quarantine during term time, school leaders should consider if it is possible to temporarily amend working arrangements to enable them to work from home.”

The guidance also acknowledges that “school staff have been working extremely hard throughout the coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and will be working hard to prepare for all pupils to return from the start of the autumn term. Many staff will want to take a holiday over the summer period, which may involve travelling abroad.”