Government should step back from June school reopening, say unions
THE GOVERNMENT should “step back” from its plan to reopen schools in England to more pupils from June 1, education unions have urged.
Nine unions, representing school leaders, teachers and support staff, have accused the Government of showing a “lack of understanding” about the dangers of the spread of coronavirus in schools.
The joint statement, published by the Trades Union Congress, has warned that staff will “not be protected” by social distancing if primary schools re-open to more year groups from next month.
The plea comes after the Government announced its ambition for all primary school pupils in England to go back to school for a month before the summer.
It is hoped children will be able to return to nurseries, and for Reception,
Year 1 and Year 6 pupils to be back in school, from June 1.
The joint statement, from organisations including the NAHT school leaders’ union and the National Education Union, said: “We all want schools to reopen, but that should only happen when it is safe to do so.
“The Government is showing a lack of understanding about the dangers of the spread of coronavirus within schools, and outwards from schools to parents, sibling and relatives, and to the wider community.”
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said all teachers and pupils will be able to be tested for Covid-19 if they develop symptoms when they return to schools.
Mr Williamson added: “Crucially, all children and staff will have access to testing if they develop symptoms of coronavirus.”
He said this would enable a “track-and-trace approach” to be taken with any confirmed cases, as schools plan to begin a phased re-opening from the start of next month.
Mr Williamson stressed that the re-introduction of classroom teaching was “the right thing to do and the only reasonable thing to do”.