Schools plan hit by councils and unions
BORIS Johnson’s plans for children to return to school next month could be delayed in many parts of the country following a revolt by councils and teaching unions, a Cabinet minister admitted yesterday.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland acknowledged there might not be a “uniform approach” across England towards reopening primary classrooms from June 1 as set out in the Prime Minister’s blueprint for easing the coronavirus lockdown.
He said: “We’re all working towards June 1 but I accept that there may well be issues from employers that need to be addressed which might not mean we’ll see a uniform approach on June 1.
Confidence
“Conversations are continuing between the Government and teachers’ representatives, and in some settings arrangements are being made which lead to a high degree of confidence that the risk can be managed and the setting can be safe.
“Clearly, other employers feel that is not the case, and I think we have to respect and understand that and remember that June 1 was a conditional date.”
But just hours later, Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden told the daily Downing Street press conference he wanted schools in England to return at the same time. He said: “It is best, and the Government has said this repeatedly, that we move as a whole nation.”
But he added: “We won’t proceed unless we can be sure of children’s safety – of course that goes without saying.”
Under the Prime Minister’s plan for easing the lockdown, children in reception, Year One and Year Six are due to return to school from June 1. Other year groups are due to return on a phased basis before the summer holidays.
The Local Government Association said yesterday that varying infection rates around England meant “some areas may want to work faster than others”.
Judith Blake, who is chair of the association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“Councils have worked with all schools to keep them open throughout the coronavirus pandemic for vulnerable children and families of key workers. We know how vital it is for a child’s development to be in school, particularly for the most vulnerable children.
“Councils are keen to support their local schools to get children back as soon as possible. However, the safety of children, their families and staff will always be the top priority.
“As there are different Covid-19 infection rates around the country, schools and councils must be able to work together to decide how and when schools open to more children. Some areas may want to work faster than others.”
Labour called for a track-andtrace system to be in place before schools return.