I’ve received many letters from parents about schools opening. It has been a challenge for all of us who have children of school age and I’m particularly concerned about children and young people falling behind in their studies.
I had a meeting with Heather Shelley, Headteacher at Broomfield Primary School to raise this issue and also learn more about how teachers and pupils have been managing since the partial reopening of schools with social distancing .
Broomfield Primary school like many others remained open for children of key workers during the lockdown; and only recently welcomed back reception, year 1 and year 6. Mrs Shelley shared the challenges they’ve faced to maintain social distancing measures amongst the children, but also how pleased they are to have some of their pupils back with them.
I share the view of many of you, that it is critical to get schools open and as close to normal as soon as possible. I also understand the representations made by teaching staff about the many factors that must be considered prior to the Government’s decision to re-open schools to all year groups, including the health and safety of children, the effects associated with the closures and whether schools have the capacity to ask all pupils to return while maintaining social distancing.
I am raising the concerns raised by parents and local headteachers such as Mrs Shelley with the Government as we continue to work on the further easing of restrictions.
