Commenting on today’s talks with the government’s scientific
advisers over plans to reopen schools to more pupils, Geoff
Barton, General Secretary of the Association of School and
College Leaders, said:
“We are pleased to have had direct talks with the government’s
scientific advisers, and with assurances they have given to us
during that meeting about the safety of reopening schools to more
pupils from a possible date of June 1. We are now going to take
stock of what has been said, communicate the outcome of this
meeting to our members, and invite their feedback.
“It is important to understand that none of this is about
impeding the process of reopening schools. School and college
leaders want to see children and young people back in the
classroom as soon as possible, and we are supporting our members
with information and advice as they carry out the detailed
planning to make this happen.
“There are, however, concerns which need to be addressed,
particularly around the fact that the government’s plan involves
a significant increase of children in primary schools from June
1, with a focus on bringing in young age groups for whom social
distancing is most difficult.
“We are asking questions about the science which underpins this
approach on behalf of our members, their staff, parents and
pupils. It is vital that school communities have confidence that
it is safe to return. We continue to work constructively with
government to this end.”
