The new Department for Education guidance on how schools are expected to reopen in September covers a huge range of issues - from transport, to exams, to staff and pupil safety.

Within this guidance, there are also some less obvious - but no less important - considerations on everything from how PE lessons can take place to the risks posed by assemblies and choir performances.

We’ve been through the document to pull out some of these key information points.

Coronavirus: The small print on reopening schools in September

1. Singing and chanting 

One notable element of the guidance is a warning that “singing, chanting, playing wind or brass instruments or shouting” can increase the risk of infection - even if individuals are at a distance.

It suggests, if possible, holding music lessons outside with a distance between pupils and having groups of no more than 15.

Furthermore, the guidance also advises that “singing, wind and brass playing should not take place in choirs and ensembles or assemblies”.

2. Field trips are allowed

One piece of good news is that, from the autumn term, schools are allowed to host “non-overnight domestic educational visits”, including trips or placements connected with preparation for adulthood - such as workplace visits.

Of course, though, any trip must ensure that pupils stay within their “bubble groups” - and the necessary risk assessment must be carried out beforehand. 

Outdoor locations that can be used for curriculum-relevant visits are also advised.

3. Supply teachers can return

Another positive development is that supply teachers can be employed and move between settings as required - although the government’s guidance says minimising visitors is the best course of action, which slightly muddies the waters.

“Supply staff and other temporary workers can move between settings, but education leaders will want to consider how to minimise the number of visitors to the setting where possible.”

4. Avoid contact sports

PE can return, although there are some caveats “because of the way in which people breathe during exercise”. 

Essentially schools are given the “flexibility” to decide how they deliver PE and sport while adhering to the necessary safety measures, including pupils remaining in their groups, sports equipment being thoroughly cleaned between each use and, most notably, avoiding contact sports.

No list is given on what a “contact sport” is - although it would seem to suggest naturally that rugby, football, netball, basketball and hockey will all not be possible.

Schools are also able to work with external coaches, clubs and organisations for curricular and extracurricular activities - if deemed safe.

5. Whole-school assemblies are out 

A single line spells the end for whole-school assemblies for a while yet: “Groups should be kept apart, meaning that settings should avoid large gatherings such as assemblies or collective worship with more than one group.”

This is probably no surprise and most schools would have no intention of doing assemblies - but it may make that return to normality feel all the harder when you are unable to bring everyone together for the usual weekly rallying cry.

6. Uniform policies

The government says schools can still decide their own uniform policies, noting that many may have relaxed their policy while few children were attending.

Despite this, it says it would rather schools returned to “their usual uniform policies in the autumn term”.

An interesting addition is that the government states with confidence in its guidance: “Uniforms do not need to be cleaned any more often than usual or in any different way to normal due to coronavirus (Covid-19).”

7. School kitchens can reopen

One bit of relative normality that can return is that school and college kitchens can fully open from the start of the autumn term.

Although, of course, those within the kitchen may have to adapt how they operate to adhere to general safety guidelines.

8. Breakfast clubs and after-school activities

Another bit of good news is that schools “will be permitted to run breakfast and after-school activities”.

However, of course, they will need to adhere to hygiene and distancing rules and, as noted above, with so many usual activities such as sports, music and singing not possible or greatly curtailed, how many such clubs can continue will be another matter.

Dan Worth is senior editor at Tes