Education chiefs reassure Northumberland parents as children prepare to return to school

A range of measures have been put in place which aim to put minds of parents, carers and pupils at ease ahead of their return.

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, cabinet member with responsibility for children’s services at Northumberland County Council, said: “We understand the concerns that parents, carers and their families will have as their children return to school for the first time.

"Whilst each school will have their own measures in place, every single one has been following government guidance and adjusting those measures in accordance with any changes.

“We strongly urge parents and carers to directly liaise with, or wait for communication from their own schools as to what those new measures may mean for them and their children on their return.”

The Department for Education is expecting that all pupils will return to school full-time from the beginning of the autumn term.

It is important for children and young people to return to school, not only for a routine, but for their own health and wellbeing. It will be good for them to see friends, teachers and school staff, and to learn and play.

A small number of pupils will still be unable to attend in line with public health advice. If your child is unable to attend for this reason, you should talk to your school or college about what support is in place in terms of remote education.

Cath McEvoy-Carr, the council’s executive director for adult and children’s services, said: “We have been working with head teachers in schools across the county to support them in the implementation of appropriate health and safety measures based on their risk assessments.

“If you have concerns about your child returning to school or college, because you consider they may have other risk factors, you should discuss with your school or college the measures they are putting in place to reduce risks in line with government guidance.”

Schools will reopen from Tuesday, September 1.

Further guidance on returning to school, and any updates can be found at www.northumberland.gov.uk/coronavirus/Northumberland-schools

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