Northumberland schools to be given free rein on when to reopen amid coronavirus fears

Teaching unions have opposed Government plans to reopen primary schools tomorrow, Monday, January 4, amid fears of a new coronavirus spike.

National Education Union joint general secretary Dr Mary Bousted told BBC Breakfast: “It will be helpful with two weeks’ Christmas break where there was mixing over Christmas and unfortunately that has raised levels of infection.”

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson announced changes to the planned return to school after the Christmas holiday on New Year’s Eve, following rapidly rising numbers of cases of Covid-19.

In Northumberland all first and primary schools were initially expected to return to school tomorrow, with secondary and high school children in exam years (11 and 13) offered remote learning.

Children of key workers and vulnerable children in all school years would also be able to return to school from week beginning January 4.

But now the county council has announced schools will be able to decide for themselves when they are happy to reopen.

Cath McEvoy-Carr, Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Children's Services at Northumberland County Council said: “The health, wellbeing and safety of Northumberland’s students, teaching and support staff remains our number one priority.

"Our teaching staff have worked incredibly hard right throughout this pandemic to ensure that pupils continue with their education, either in school or online.

"Our schools also have robust risk assessments and health and safety measures in place and have done absolutely everything in their power to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

“These are very challenging times for everyone, and some difficult decisions have to be made.

"We have every confidence in our headteachers and governing bodies to make the right decisions for their school community and will of course support any Northumberland school that feels unable to open due to their local risk assessment and staff availability.

"We would ask that parents check their child’s school’s website for the latest information and any updates relating to closures. Schools will also be contacting parents in their usual way if they are to remain closed and move to online learning."

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