A HEADTEACHER has called for covid measures to be brought back at schools after half term to stop disruption.

Gareth Doodes, headteacher at King's School Worcester, has called for the return of mask-wearing, ventilation and a return to a form of class bubbles.

He has also suggested pupils are encouraged to take up vaccinations which are now available to 12 to 15 year olds.

Mr Doodes and his family are currently isolating after he caught Covid.

It comes as a total of 46 schools have reported positive cases of coronavirus in staff or pupils, as of October 20, according to Worcestershire County Council.

Mr Doodes tweeted: "I know @WalkerWorcester [Worcester MP Robin Walker] and @educationgovuk [Department for Education] will be working on this.

"Masks and ventilation previously slowed the rate of spread in schools and will do so once again, protecting pupils, staff and their families.

"With current Covid rates pupils after half term will face even more disruption.

"This cannot happen - we can't jeopardise exam groups.

"In schools we need to bring back masks in inside spaces, strictly limit non-class assembly, and encourage vaccination.

"We urgently need to look at post half-term regulations in schools."

Children aged between 12 and 15 are now able to book their first dose of the covid vaccine through the NHS website.

Dr Kathryn Cobain, director of public health for Worcestershire, said: “Our Local Outbreak Response Team (LORT), continue to work closely with schools and where required put in extra measures to support schools who are dealing with outbreaks.

"We are aware that some of our schools choose to operate a cohorting system, according to their outbreak management plans, that prevents mixing between groups.

"This is done to reduce the potential impact of an outbreak of Covid-19 across the school. All identified Covid-19 cases have been asked to self-isolate and are supported by remote education where this is deemed necessary.

"We work alongside schools to ensure good hygiene is practised, appropriate cleaning regimes are maintained and occupied spaces are kept well ventilated to help maximise attendance and minimise disruption.”

Ministers have rejected further control measures from Plan B, including vaccine passports for indoor events and the return of mandatory face coverings.

On Wednesday evening, Mr Javid urged the public to play its part, saying further restrictions may be needed if people do not take care and get all their Covid jabs and boosters.