Schools reopening in mid-June ‘at earliest’

SCHOOLS in Rochdale will not reopen until June 15 ‘at the earliest’, teachers in the borough have said.

Rochdale was one of the first local authorities to speak out against the Government’s June 1 reopening plan, with education chiefs announcing staff and pupils would not be returning until it was safe to do so.

Several other councils in Greater Manchester have since followed suit. Boris Johnson continues to push ahead with plans to reopen primary schools to reception, year one, and year six from June 1 as part of the easing of the coronavirus lockdown.

But in letters sent out this week schools in Rochdale have told parents classes won’t be resuming until at least mid-June.

St Mary’s CE Primary School wrote: “We have just been advised that Rochdale Borough Council has taken the decision to delay the return of Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils until 15th June at the earliest, whilst further risk assessments are carried out.

“School will remain open for vulnerable children and children of key

●●Rochdale Council and local schools are looking at June 15 as a possible return date for children in reception, year one and year six workers during this time.

“There has been no further information about the possible return of the other year groups.”

A message on the Holy Family Primary School website said: “We are looking at slowly opening up to children in Nursery,

Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. This will be done in a gradual and staggered way.

“The number of children we are able to accommodate is small given the restrictions of the school building and the need to observe social distancing.”

Brimrod Primary School wrote: “I would like to reiterate that we want our children and staff back in school as soon as possible, however we can only do this when it is safe to do so.

“Rochdale has taken this decision with the best interests of children, families and staff in mind.”

St Mary’s RC Primary School wrote: “We are busily trying to finalise our plan for reopening school to more children.

“However, today we have been advised by

Rochdale local authority to delay the wider opening to further children until 15th June. The Governing Board have agreed to this.

“In short, school will reopen on 8th June to those children of key workers who have requested places, as well as those children classed as vulnerable.”

Rochdale council has been contacted for a comment.

On Wednesday, Schools Standards minister Nick Gibb said it was ‘difficult to say’ whether all primary school children will be back in school before the summer holidays in line with government plans.

It was previously announced that all primary school pupils in England should be able to go back to school for a month before the summer break began in July.

But Mr Gibb told MPs in the Education Select Committee that the final decision will be led by the science.

He said: “We don’t know until we see more evidence of the R factor continuing to reduce over the next few weeks.”

Mr Gibb suggested that rotations could be introduced if primary schools are later reopened to years two to five to ensure social distancing takes place.