Academies to delay opening of schools

ACADEMY TRUSTS running some Calderdale schools will not be reopening on the date set by the Government.

Calderdale Council was one of the first local authorities in the region to oppose the government’s decision to re-open schools more widely on June 1.

The Government expects nursery, reception, year one and year six pupils to be back in primary school, and year 10 and year 12 students to their school or college on June 1.

A number of academy trusts have confirmed they will not reopening on the date set by the Government.

The Together Learning Trust Schools academy, which runs Bolton Brow Primary Academy and Ryburn Valley High School, is one of the organisations that said they will be not reopening.

David Lord Chief Executive Headteacher of Ryburn Valley High, said in a letter to parents:

DECISION: David Lord, head at Ryburn Valley High School

“As a trust, we believe a cautious, measured and phased approach is required where the safety and wellbeing of our staff, children and families is paramount.

“With this in mind, I can confirm that Together Learning Trust Schools will not be opening more widely on 1 June to year groups identified by the Government.

“Our school leaders will continue to plan meticulously for specific groups of primary phase children to return to school (in the first instance) but this will be no earlier than 8 June 2020.”

The Northern Education Trust is another organisation that will not be reopening its schools by the deadline. The Trust includes Abbey Park Primary Academy and Mount Pellon Primary Academy.

Rob Tarn Chief Executive of the trust said in a letter to parents: “Parents would rightly expect that they can send their child to school in the knowledge that their safety is paramount.

“It is with this responsibility in mind that the Trust Board has made the decision to have a cautious and phased approach to our schools re-opening.

“Our risk assessments indicate that it is easier to achieve social distancing with older children. It is therefore our intention, on Monday 8 June, to begin the phased return of our Year 6. Following a further review our primary academies may then be in a position to admit a further year group, most likely Year One from June 15.”

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