Harrogate Lib Dems attack 'ill thought out' primary schools reopening

In the week when some primary classes were allowed to reopen as the Government starts to ease lockdown, new statistics from a National Education Union survey show that a large proportion of primary schools in Yorkshire & The Humber remain open only to children of key workers.

In Yorkshire, some 29% of primary schools remain closed to all except the children of key workers, despite the Government’s attempt to reopen schools to more year groups at the start of this week.

Judith Rogerson Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Harrogate & Knaresborough said: “It’s no surprise 29% of primary school headteachers and governors in Yorkshire have not yet been able to open their doors to more pupils, given confusion around the Government guidelines and the immense challenges social-distancing presents in many school contexts.

“The vast majority of people in Harrogate & Knaresborough want to see pupils back in the classroom, but safety is paramount.

"Where it's been possible, many teachers, headteachers and governors have bent over backwards to safely reopen to some year groups.

"However, not all schools have the facilities or means to do so - the Government must recognise that no two schools are alike.

"Ministers must also learn from this that schools must have more time to prepare for future changes.

"The Government needs to ensure all schools have greater support if they choose to move towards the next phase of reopening.”

The Liberal Democrats are calling on Ministers to ensure that parents, teachers, headteachers and governors are fully prepared for a phased return and have the support they need to reopen safely, taking into account specific school contexts.

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To help facilitate social distancing, the Liberal Democrats have put forward plans for the creation of “spare space registers” at a local level, which would open up office space, community halls, sports grounds and more to allow schools space for social distancing, with the Government stepping in to cover associated costs.

Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson, said: “The rushed move to reopen schools without the full backing of unions, or real clarity around the scientific guidance governing this decision, was ill-thought-out. It has created a real crisis for many headteachers and governors.

“The current situation, with so many schools yet to open their doors, is a product of the Government’s dismissive approach towards the education sector during this crisis, its failure to communicate effectively with key stakeholders, and it's failure to fully take account of the wildly different school contexts that exist across England.

“With inadequate support for schools attempting to overcome huge logistical challenges and real concerns about the premature easing of lockdown, it’s no wonder that many school leaders have had no choice but to keep their doors closed a while longer.

“Ministers must take a more constructive approach going forward to put this right and ensure every child can get back to school safely.”

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