What is the legal basis for bubbles in schools?

[notevenat20]

Outside of schools I think the law is that you are not allowed 2 people from different households in the same house. Outside of the house everyone from different households has to be at least 2 metres from each other. The same rule applies in the work place I think although you are then allowed 2 people in the same office as long as they are far enough apart I believe.

At DC's school they are instituting a bubble scheme where children from the same bubble don't have to be 2 metres apart. I don't think this is a bad idea but I was wondering what the legal basis was for it? Is there a special except for children in schools?

I am asking mostly because I am interested in the law. But I am also in charge a religious education group for children and wanted to understand what our options are.

@notevenat20 I don't think the Regulations provide a definition of an educational facility but I can't really see (for example) a Sunday school type set up qualifying. I think that would have to wait until churches are allowed to reopen.

SandieCheeks Sorry I just meant that the year 6 children in DC's school are being put into bubbles within which they were allowed to ignore social distancing. This is despite the fact that it would not be impossible for them to stay apart.

cabbage king Yes we currently do them via Zoom.

@notevenat20

SandieCheeks Sorry I just meant that the year 6 children in DC's school are being put into bubbles within which they were allowed to ignore social distancing. This is despite the fact that it would not be impossible for them to stay apart.

That’s a decision the school has made then.

(Thank you autocorrect :) )

You are therefore providing spiritual food and must wait for the advice that religious organisations can meet.

SandieCheeks Yes. I was surprised it was legal but it seems it is, because you are allowed "gatherings" in schools and social distancing is not legally enforceable.

"While it remains the case that people should maintain a two metre gap between themselves and others in public places, the department has always made clear that we know this is not always going to be possible for younger children. Public Health England reports that while general groups should be kept apart, brief contact among children remains low risk.
It is important to reiterate that while effort should be made to maintain distancing between pupils, the key is for schools to introduce a range of protective measures to safeguard their pupils. We also know that every school is different and circumstances will vary in each, therefore we understand that flexibility is needed.
By introducing measures such as reducing the size of classes, keeping children in small groups and frequently cleaning classrooms, schools can ensure they minimise risk.
A Department for Education spokesperson said:
“Being in school is vital for children’s education and their wellbeing, which is why we are working to get all pupils back into classrooms by September.
“We know that young children cannot be expected to follow social distancing in schools, and our guidance is clear schools should implement a range of protective measures, including reducing the size of classes and keeping children in small groups.
“We have worked constructively with schools, councils and unions for the last 11 weeks, and that will continue as we seek to bring all children back in September.” https://dfemedia.blog.gov.uk/2020/06/12/distancing-in-schools/

Thanks lorisparkle. I think it's important to distinguish legislation from govt guidance. This looks like guidance and I was really interested in the law.