Council: Regular testing will help to keep students safe
CALDERDALE COUNCIL’S Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services, Coun Adam Wilkinson, said: “Firstly, I’d like to thank the staff who have supported schools to remain open throughout lockdown for the children of key workers and vulnerable young people, along with our early years providers which have also remained open. I would also like to mention the staff in our special schools who have worked hard to meet the more complex needs of their pupils.
“In addition, I’d like to show my appreciation for parents and carers who have shown great commitment to keeping children safe and supporting home schooling – in some cases in challenging circumstances.
“Of course, the wider reopening of schools on Monday 8 March will be a welcome development for many, but it’s important that this can be done as safely as possible. We’re continuing to work with schools to ensure they’re ready for a wider reopening and we’re supporting their individual assessments around required safety measures. We’re contacting each school to offer advice based on Public Health guidelines and are happy to provide additional support if needed.In addition to the already established rapid testing regime and regular testing of staff, there will also be twice-weekly testing of secondary school and college pupils, initially with on-site testing and then home testing.”
Calderdale Council leader Tim Swift (Lab, Town) also paid tribute to schools and staff for their work through the pandemic.
He added: “We know how important education is for young people. We look forward to welcoming all children back to school and will be working closely with schools and teachers to make sure this is as safe as possible,”