Coronavirus: From face masks to iPads, how pupils are preparing for a first day back at school in a pandemic

Tens of thousands of children across the Emirates will return to classrooms from Sunday after months spent learning at home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Authorities have introduced a host of measures to ensure the safety of pupils and staff alike ahead of an academic year unlike any other.

In Abu Dhabi many, but not all, pupils will be able to reunite with classmates and teachers in only a matter of days.

Those in kindergarten or foundation stage two to year six will initially be allowed on campus, with the rest of the years expecting to start four weeks later.

In Dubai, all grades will return to school, and school regulators in other emirates have not confirmed which years will attend campus from the first day on Sunday.

Parents well used to picking out uniforms, shoes and pencil cases ahead of the first day back at school are busy stocking up on masks and other essential items for a new era of education.

But what do they need to buy this year? And what should pupils leave at home?

The National explains.

What do pupils need to bring?

Everything from how the school looks to what pupils have to wear is set to change.

Schools have been told to ensure distancing of 1.5m between all pupils, and most children, grades year two and above, will have to wear masks.

Schools have advised pupils to bring at least two masks with them to wear each day.

Current regulations state pupils are not allowed to share paper, so certain schools have opted to use iPads with stylus pens for some activities. Parents may need to buy the devices, but the schools using them will inform them about the requirements.

Pupils may also be asked to bring in their own stationery as they will not be allowed to share them with others. A kit should include items like scissors and glue. This, may, however, be provided by the school.

Toys and comforters will not be allowed.

What about school lunches?

Schools are not offering hot buffet-style food this year, and are advising parents to make lunches for their children to bring in each day. Pre-packed lunches may also be available.

Should uniforms be washed every day?

Yes, children will be expected to come to school in clean clothes each day. Parents can choose between cotton or disposable masks for their children. Cotton masks should be washed after each use and disposable masks should only be worn once.

Nothing should be worn that cannot be washed each day, including blazers.

Is there anything else parents should consider?

Most parents will be dropping off and collecting their children from outside the school gates in Abu Dhabi. Parents of the youngest pupils will, however, be allowed onto campus. However, they will need a Covid-19 negative test result within the past 72 hours to enter the school.

What about testing for pupils?

In Abu Dhabi, only pupils in Year seven and above will need to be tested for the virus before they return, but they are not due back on campus for several weeks yet.

Parents must arrange for their children to have the test and share the result with the school, according to the regulator, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge has confirmed.

All pupils in Sharjah have to be tested. Dubai is not testing any children, nor is Ras Al Khaimah, where testing is mandatory for staff.