Worries over return to school plans

Kent County Council’s education director says “challenges” lie ahead for the planned reopening of schools as the coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday the phased return of primary schools from June 1, at the earliest, as he laid out his Covid19 roadmap over the coming months.

More than 40 Kent headteachers raised concerns with the chair of the Kent Association of Headteachers, Alan Brookes.

They want assurances around the safety of staff, parents and children.

Matt Dunkley, KCC’s corporate director for children, young people and education, said: “My colleagues and I understand this change will present some challenges for headteachers and their staff and we will continue to work closely with schools and support them during this period of transition.”

The Government has committed to the staggered return for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 classes from the beginning of June if the coronavirus infection rate continues to fall.

Class sizes should be limited to 15 pupils and desks spaced as far apart as possible, government guidance states. It is also hoped that some secondary school years could return before the end of the summer, namely Years 10 and 12.

Mr Dunkley said: “We still await more details from Government on how this will be implemented across England.”

Mr Brookes is also executive principal of Sittingbourne’s Fulston Manor.

He said: “The general feeling is frustration yet again.

“There is an enormous lack of detail behind all of this.

“If this is ever going to work the headteachers need to be convinced that it’s safe to reopen for children, parents and teachers.

“Otherwise they all will be potentially taking the virus home with them.”