Reopening of Schools

I have had a lot of constituents write in concerned at the reopening of schools for some age groups on 1^st June.  

It is extremely important to note that it remains up to the parents as to whether they send their children back to school. They do not have to and will not be fined for choosing to keep their children at home.  

Unfortunately, it is impossible to eliminate the risk entirely at this stage of the outbreak. However, what is clear is that we are past the peak of the virus and the risk to children is very low.   

The age groups of the children who will be going back to school on 1^st June are at key stages of their development and education. Keeping them out of school for longer could be detrimental to their physical and mental health and for their chances in later life.  

I accept that social distancing will be a challenge. The government is issuing important guidance for schools who are making the necessary plans and changes to ensure that schools can be as safe as possible for the return. Class sizes will be much smaller than before, and these classes will not mix with any other classes and will remain with one teacher for the duration of the school day.  

Good levels of hygiene will of course be encouraged and there will also be testing availability for children and teachers.  

It is also worth noting that the plans for schools is provisional and things may change. These are careful first steps and the timetable for reopening will be delayed if necessary. If the alert level does not allow it then the schools won’t reopen on 1^st June.  

The Prime Minister has said: ‘If there are problems, we will not hesitate to put on the brakes’