Key questions posed ahead of plan to reopen classrooms

WITH schools due to open on June 1, after the half term week, Liberal Democrat councillors on Devon County Council are asking 15 key questions about safety for children and staff.

The government has said that schools should open initially for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children, but has met opposition from some teachers, parents, unions and local councils.

Cllr Judith Blake, chair of the Local Government Association Children and Young People Board, said: “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.”

Cllr Alan Connett, the Lib Dem leader on Devon County Council, said: “Everyone is concerned about the impact on the education of children and young people over the lockdown period but there are undoubtedly mixed messages from government, and parents are raising concerns about the arrangements being put in place.

“We are asking these 15 key questions because education cannot simply be for those who are able to return to school.”

The questions include: Will children not able to return to school be provided with appropriate home learning packages and support?

What arrangements are being made to support children with special educational needs, whether at school or at home?

Are schools being deep cleaned before reopening and what, if any, risk assessment has been made?

Is the council aware of any schools advising teachers and other staff not to wear personal protective equipment, and is the council supplying PPE?

Are senior schools asking parents or children to consider dropping one of more GCSE subjects? If so, why?

What arrangements are being made for school meals and breakfast and after-school clubs?

What arrangements are being put in place for pupils to remain socially distant on council-provided or funded school transport?

What view will the council take with regard to parents who decline to return their children to school if they perceive the risk is too high and what support may be available to those parents? How often will the council review this decision?

Almost all of Cornwall’s primary schools will be offering a phased opening in the week from June 1. There are 271 state-funded schools in Cornwall, 60 of which are maintained by Cornwall Council. The council has now said that it only knows of one school that isn’t able to open next month, but would not name it.