'There's still risk' - Northumberland families speak out against Government's plans for school return on June 1

As the Government moves forward with plans to reopen some schools next week, Northumberland families have spoken of the risks of sending children back too early
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Speaking at the Downing Street press briefing on Sunday May 24, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he is sticking to his date for schools opening in England on Monday, June 1 – but added that "it may not be possible" for all of them to do so.

Early years, Reception and Years 1 and 6 are set to be the first to return, with hopes for secondary schools to provide “some contact” with Year 10 and 12 children from Monday, June 15.

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At the same briefing, Mr Johnson said the Government was being "deliberately cautious" and that a final decision on returning to school would be taken next Thursday as part of the formal review into the current lockdown measures.

Northumberland Gazette readers have been sharing their views on a return to school on June 1.Northumberland Gazette readers have been sharing their views on a return to school on June 1.
Northumberland Gazette readers have been sharing their views on a return to school on June 1.
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He added: “The Government will continue to support and work with the sector so that any schools experiencing difficulties are able to open more widely as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, the National Education Union said it was still opposed to the June 1 date.

And with one week to go until the Government’s intended return date for schools, we asked Gazette readers if they would feel comfortable sending their children back to the classroom on June 1.

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At time of writing more than 300 people had voted in our poll with 70% answering no.

This is what you said on our social media pages:

Andrew King: “And yet there's still risk on some level. If you feel like using your kids as lab rats be my guest. I, for one, will be keeping mine safe at home for the foreseeable future.”

Paul Sands Turnbull: “Risk in these age groups is negligible.”

Caroline Errington: “Absolutely disgraceful they are not getting educated anyway so why put them at risk?”

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Anjii Grace Beck: “Hope these people voting no are still keeping safe, because the majority of folks are now carrying on as normal.”

Ingrid Golden: “Give [until] September 1, see how it goes but no holidays Blackberry week only Christmas break, if all well.”

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