Northumberland families have their say on children returning to school after coronavirus lockdown

Parents and carers think June is too early to send children back to school as the nation prepares to hear the UK’s exit plan from coronavirus lockdown.

Published 6th May 2020, 16:45 BST

Updated 12th May 2020, 13:17 BST

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to address the nation on Sunday, May 10 to set out how restrictions will be lifted going forward.

Our Facebook poll asked: “Are you ready to send your children back to school in June if that is the guidance when lockdown measures are eased?”

At time of writing, 68% of more than 450 voters answered no.

You have had your say on whether or not children should return to school.

You have had your say on whether or not children should return to school.

Click here for an interactive map showing the spread of coronavirus

This is what you had to say on the Northumberland Gazette Facebook page:

Sarah Carruthers: “No chance as I've a very vulnerable husband and I can’t risk his health. Once it's safe to send them back then I will.”

Rob Patterson: “I know lots of parents will be chomping at the bit to get their kids shipped off back to school, but unless some pretty radical plans are put into place very soon then there'll be no point going back until after the summer.”

Many of you think schools should wait until at least September before returning to class.

Many of you think schools should wait until at least September before returning to class.

Chrissy Morris-Watson: “They've said a lot about social distancing the children and staff but nothing about all the parents who need to go and collect them all at the same time!”

Ann Jones: “No one I have come in contact with will send their children back to school until September.”

Shelley Darby: “Teachers are not able to get tests unless they show symptoms. How can care staff and NHS staff get tests to check for asymptomatic people but teachers looking after staff’s children day in and day out can’t.”

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