The Education Secretary has this evening issued a temporary
continuity direction to the Royal Borough of Greenwich, following
the letter sent by the council to headteachers yesterday.
said:
“It is simply not in children’s best interests for schools in
Greenwich, Islington or elsewhere to close their doors.
Schools and colleges up and down the country in all
tiers have shown incredible resilience in the face of this
pandemic - and it’s down to the hard work of teachers and staff
that millions of children and young people have been able to
benefit from a face-to-face education and be with their friends.
“I have always been clear that using legal powers is a last
resort but continuity of education is a national priority. That’s
why I won’t hesitate to do what is right for young people and
have issued a direction to Greenwich Council setting out that
they must withdraw the letter issued to headteachers on Sunday.
“The Regional Schools Commissioner will continue to
work closely with Greenwich Council and schools in the borough,
as we have done with schools across the country, to support them
with any operational challenges they face and ensure children can
continue to receive face to face education.”
Further information
- See the direction linked here
- If the council do not comply with the
direction, then the Coronavirus Act provides for the Secretary of
State to enforce the direction by applying to the High Court or
the county court for an injunction (i.e. a court order requiring
the council to comply).
