Two schools in city are close to reopening
ONLY two schools in Newcastle might reopen next week, despite the Government giving the go-ahead for some classes to return on Monday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed reception and years one and six classes will be able to go back into school.
Council bosses in Newcastle had said previously city primary schools were taking a more cautious approach and were likely to welcome children back from June 8 instead.
It has now been confirmed two schools in the city have indicated they could open again at some point next week.
Officials said neither school could be identified yet as definitive reopening plans have not been set in stone and parents have not been informed.
The council reiterated parents will not be fined if they choose not to send their children back to class when schools open again, amid fears that doing so will risk increasing coronavirus infection rates.
A Newcastle City Council spokesperson said: “It is important to remember many of our city’s schools have been open throughout the pandemic, looking after vulnerable children and the children of key workers.
“While we have been working closely with schools throughout the lockdown, we have not been advising them to open to increased numbers of pupils on any specific date.
“Schools will make the decision when to welcome back additional pupils based on their own individual risk assessments, taking into the account the unique nature of each setting.
“While it was not expected any schools in Newcastle would meet the Government’s June 1 timeframe, two schools indicated before the half-term break they may be able to reopen during week commencing June 1.
“Other primary schools indicated they may be able to welcome some groups of children the following week.
“Individual schools will contact parents and carers about their own arrangements when they are ready to do so.
“Parents and carers are under no obligation to return their children to school if they are uncomfortable in doing so at this particular time.”