Schools will stay open... for the moment
SCHOOLS have been told to stay open – despite widespread curbs on work, socialising and travel.
Boris Johnson said yesterday he believed it was “much better” to avoid closures now but is keeping the decision under review.
A number of countries have already shut down schools as the virus takes hold, including the Republic of Ireland.
The Government fears that closing them too early would do more harm than good and could also cause major childcare issues.
Speaking in Downing Street, the Prime Minister said: “We think at the moment, on balance, it’s much better if we can keep schools open for all sorts of reasons.
“But I appreciate that this is something we need to keep under review.”
The government’s chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, said school closures should only be done “at the right time”.
Public Health England issued guidance saying pupils who are continuously coughing or have a fever should be sent home.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College
Leaders, raised concerns about the challenges of keeping schools open amid staff shortages as well as the potential for disruption to exams.
He said: “We aim to work through these issues in order to arrive at constructive solutions about the way ahead. School and college leaders are showing calm and assured leadership in these difficult times.”
Meanwhile, union leaders called for school inspections to be axed during the crisis as they met Education Secretary Gavin Williamson for talks.
Dr Mary Bousted, of the National Education Union, said: “School leaders and staff are straining every sinew to support and protect their students.
“They should be allowed to focus on this, not have their stress made worse by the threat of an imminent Ofsted inspection.”