Rishworth head rules out a wider return for pupils until September

A PRIVATE school in Calderdale said it will defy Government pressure and not reopen on June 1.

Governors of Rishworth School have confirmed they will take the advise of Calderdale Council and only remain open to pupils of key workers and vulnerable children amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.

The decision by the independent school comes after the council became one the first local authorities in Yorkshire to oppose the government’s decision to re-open schools.

Headmaster Dr Paul Silverwood (circled), said: “The school will remain open only for the children of key workers and vulnerable children until the end of this term, (July 2).

“It’s our intention to extend opening to all year groups, contingent upon any specific health advice at the time, in September 2020.

“Giving a September date for extending opening will hopefully provide clarity to the whole community.

“The Governors of Rishworth School decided that to extend the opening beyond the present provisions for children of key workers, in contravention of the advice of the local authority, would be to put members of the community at undue risk, also risking a possible withdrawal of insurance cover, making it impossible to maintain any provision.” Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said schools will not be able to refuse to reopen altogether after half-term as the Government pushes ahead with plans to get children back into the classroom.

The Prime Minister confirmed on Sunday schools would be opening in England on June 1 but acknowledged “it may not be possible” for all of them to do so.