WITH all students set to return to school next week, there are many questions on the mind of pupils and parents alike. Schools in Basingstoke have been issued extensive guidance from the Department of Education ahead of the return, with some things similar to when students attended school in-person from September, and other things varying. One key question is how schools will handle any cases of the virus which are identified within their schools. The Gazette asked the education authority what the protocol will be, and a spokesperson for Hampshire County Council said: “The Department for Education (DfE) has published detailed Covid-19 operational guidance for schools to follow from 8 March, and the County Council is working closely with head teachers to support them in implementing these safety measures.