Now it’s time to send pupils back to school

Former Labour Education Secretary David Blunkett hit the nail on the head in his article last week in which he agreed with the Government that primary schools should resume next month, in the face of opposition from teaching unions. To me, the most important words he wrote were: ‘We must abandon fear and embrace co-operation and common sense.’

Enough of the doomsters. Let’s all move forwards together and get our lives back again.

Nick Hebditch, Chard, Somerset

The Government runs this country, not the unions, so if the teachers refuse to return, then they shouldn’t be paid. It’s easy to refuse to return to work when you know you will still receive 100 per cent of your salary.

Julian Millerchip, Coventry

Teachers have every right to be concerned about their safety and that of the children in their classes in these unprecedented times. Statements from the political classes about children being at risk if not in school ignore the harm done to families regarding living standards in the past decade, due to cuts in public expenditure and the encouragement of a lowwage, low-investment economy.

Thomas Wright, Bradford

The hard-Left stance of the teaching unions is nothing new. I began teaching in the late 1960s and it was bad then. Over time, it has got significantly worse. Mick Ferrie,

Mawnan Smith, Cornwall

Having served as a teacher for more than 40 years without becoming a member of a union, I cannot help but admit that my decision to remain independent, though difficult, was correct. Terms such as ‘never abandon one’s post’, ‘duty first and last’ and ‘to labour and to seek for no reward’ were the guidelines I held most dear. With regard to the safety of others as a priority, I would like to think that all members of that once highly regarded profession would be ready, willing and able to teach by whatever means, in any place, and to serve as many or as few as circumstances permit. Patricia Dunworth,

Channel Islands

All the teachers are on full pay, so why are they trying to hide from their jobs? Peter Seaman, Norfolk

Fine words from David Blunkett, and we are all entitled to our own opinions, but as a retired teacher, I believe that secondary-school children should go back to school first and that reception-class

children would, in the main, be happier playing at home. I accept that for some children, school is a safe haven, but for many more, school is boring! Christine Mottram, Bath

It would be pure madness to send the youngest primary-school children back to school before September. These children have been isolated from their friends and extended family, but they will go back to school before they’ve even hugged their grandparents. And how are they expected to cope with social distancing in school? It is going to be a huge challenge for teachers. In terms of risk assessments, parents need to know that the schools are going to be hygienic – I am a supply teacher and schools are the most unsanitary places imaginable. Jessika Cooper,

Great Torrington, Devon

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson insightfully informs us that children benefit from being in school. But keeping them off for six weeks does no harm – we do it every summer. Why not bring the holidays forward and make up the time in August? This could be an opportunity for an overhaul of the illogical school calendar.

J. Johnson, Wirral

It is highly embarrassing that, as

Melanie McDonagh admitted in her article last week, she had no idea, 52 days into lockdown, that her daughter had submitted ‘no work whatsoever’ in six subjects. Her account of her daughter’s current education was unrepresentative of the state sector, and highly disrespectful

to the thousands who work in state schools who show commitment, dedication and a willingness to adapt quickly to the current situation.

Many state schools have gone above and beyond to ensure children are getting work.

Lucy Sheridan, East Grinstead

I am surprised to read about the lack of lessons for children at home and that the BBC and ITV do not provide a channel for each year group, putting out a steady stream of basic lessons during the day. Derek Le Brun,

Lymington, Hampshire