By Parents left confused on whether to send children to school amid conflict between officials and unions
Thousands of parents in England have been left unsure over whether or not they can take their children to school this week amid conflict between officials and unions.
Boris Johnson has claimed for months that schools are safe, a claim he has reiterated in recent talks.
However, unions have voiced concerns that, as the coronavirus pandemic rapidly worsens, schools are unsafe for both teachers and students.
All of London’s primary schools and some of those in surrounding areas have been closed until the 18th of January, but students elsewhere have been told to return this week, with the PM stating:
“There is no doubt in my mind that schools are safe, and that education is a priority”.
Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said it was hard to tell how many schools would be open for the start of the term, saying:
“Some schools in Tier 4 areas will be open for vulnerable pupils and key worker families and will be providing remote learning for others, yet in other areas also in Tier 4, all pupils will be admitted”.
Adding:
“That’s a confusing picture for school leaders and families alike”.
Some councils have called on the government to allow schools outside London to remain closed.
Leader of Kent County Council, Roger Gough, requested Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, to keep all the county’s primary schools closed, expressing it is “very hard to justify” having some open whilst others were closed.
Many council leaders have reportedly said they will support headteachers who decide it is unsafe for schools to open.
England’s secondary schools will have a staggered return, with those taking exams expected to return on the 11th of January and other years to return a week later.
