'Worrying time' for parents over school reopening plans - Northumberland council and education chiefs awaiting further information and guidance

Earlier in May, the Prime Minister announced plans for a phased reopening of English schools from June 1 ‘at the earliest’, beginning with primary schools – Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 first.

Setting out the plans as part of the Government’s ‘roadmap’ to recovery, the Department for Education confirmed that the reopening was dependent on the coronavirus transmission rate remaining at an acceptable level (a measure known as R being less than one).

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However, while schools and childcare providers have been asked to plan on the basis of a June 1 restart, ahead of confirmation of the scientific advice, local authorities in Liverpool and Hartlepool have already said they will not reopen schools on that date. Meanwhile, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – with devolved education systems – have all indicated that June 1 is likely to be too soon.

Northumberland County Council’s executive director of adults and children’s services, Cath McEvoy-Carr, said: “Keeping pupils and staff safe in schools is our top priority.

“We are reviewing the information provided by the Government and will be working with headteachers in schools across the county to determine what this might look like in Northumberland.

“We await further guidance and information as to how this will be progressed.”

Coun Wayne Daley, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for children’s services, added: “We know this is a worrying time for everyone and parents may be especially concerned about their children returning to school.

“We will be working closely with schools in the planning of any targeted reopening and will do everything we can to support children and their families.

“Schools in Northumberland have been doing an amazing job in supporting families over the last few weeks and we appreciate the selfless dedication that the staff show every day.”

Hartlepool Borough Council chiefs revealed on May 15 that schools in the town will not be reopening on June 1.

“While we recognise the importance of schools reopening, we want to be absolutely clear that we will be taking a measured and cautious approach to this,’ a statement added.

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