Mask rules to be scrapped in NSW schools

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has confirmed mask rules and cohorting will be scrapped in NSW schools and early childcare centres.

From next week, masks will no longer be compulsory for school students.

Primary school teachers will need to continue to wear masks for a little longer, until March 7, as will educators in early childcare centres.

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Cohorting within schools, which has prevented students from mixing with other year groups, will end next week.

Parents will also be allowed on-site in schools.

From next week, rapid antigen testing will not be required for students, but the NSW Government will continue to provide two per week for each child for the next fortnight, Mr Perrottet said.

The Premier said NSW has had "incredible success" in getting students back to the classroom in a safe way.

Masks for primary school students had been highly recommended since children went back to the classroom.

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said it was now time to get things back to normal in school and give students the chance to take part in activities they have been missing out on.

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"We've had a great start to the school year," Ms Mitchell said.

"I'm so pleased with how things are going but now it's actually time to get back to normal.

"To (give) kids a bit of a taste of some of those activities and things that many of them would not have experienced much at all during their time at school."

Scrapping cohorting means students can now take part in school buddy programs, choirs and dramatic plays.