South Warwickshire primary school confirms it will only partially reopen after Christmas break due to Covid-19

A South Warwickshire primary school says it will only partially reopen after Christmas break due to Covid-19.

At the moment, the Government advice is for all primary schools to reopen but many teaching staff have been meeting over the past few days to discuss the matter, with many having safety concerns.

Kineton Primary School initially announced that it be unable to reopen to pupils on Tuesday, January 5. But it has said today (Monday) that the school will now be open for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 3.

The school will be closed for children in Year 2, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6, except for vulnerable children and those of critical workers.

The decision came after the National Education Union (NEU) had advised its members that in their view, it is unsafe for staff to return to work and that primary schools should therefore move to remote learning for the first two weeks of January.

Andy Summers, Warwickshire National Education Union media officer, said parents and teaching staff have spoken of their 'huge frustration and anxiety'.

Officials at the school made the decision after learning the majority of the members of teaching staff and some support staff will be following their union's guidance.

The school sent out an email to all parents and carers today, Sunday January 3, advising them of the decision.

Tomorrow, Monday January 4, is a pre-scheduled teacher work day (Inset Day).

The school has also encouraged parents and carers to contact the school (by filling out a form) if they are a 'critical worker' and wish their child to attend school next week.

The Courier and Weekly News will be listing any schools who will not be reopening next week as originally planned. Anyone who knows of other schools in the area who will not be reopening can contact [email protected]

Many secondary schools across the area will be returning on a staggered basis.

On the issue of schools reopening next week, Cllr Judith Blake, chair of the Local Government Association’s children and young people board, which represents councils across England, said: “Keeping schools and early years settings open for the wellbeing and education of children and young people is hugely important, for those children’s life chances and for working parents.

“However, councils know many parents and teachers across the country are anxious about schools and early years settings opening next week amid rising infections rates.

“The safety of staff, parents and families has always been absolutely paramount and councils have been working hard with schools throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure they can remain open as safely as possible.

“It is important that schools have the local flexibility to take decisions about reopening - in consultation with their councils - based on the latest public health advice and data. This is vital to reassure parents and carers that it is safe for their schools to reopen.”