Which Northumberland schools will be used as polling stations?

Schools have traditionally been used as polling stations but the disruptions due to Covid-19 over the last year have forced authorities to think again in 2021.

In February, schools minister Nick Gibb sent head teachers a letter stating the Government supports avoiding the use of schools as polling sites “where it is practically possible to do so”.

The letter said: “This year all children have missed vital time at school and the Government is committed to minimising any further disruption to pupils’ education … we are clear that where schools would be required to close, returning officers should look to other available venues first.”

Where there are no alternative premises, schools and returning officers should “work together to minimise any disruption and keep the school open where that is possible”.

However, it hasn’t been possible to avoid all schools being used for voting, and the pupils of those picked could be impacted by full or partial closures.

Parents should check with schools to find out the arrangements for polling day.

Your polling station is printed on the back of your poll card, but if in doubt visit your council website.

Here is a list of the Northumberland schools that have been selected as polling stations.

Kielder Primary School, Kielder

Beaufront First School, Hexham

Eastlea Primary School, Cramlington

Newsham Primary School, Blyth

Prudhoe Castle First School, Prudhoe

Elections for all 67 Northumberland County Council seats and the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) take place on Thursday, May 6.