Cheshire primary schools reopen despite Covid fears

As part of a phased return to school following the Christmas break, primary schools in both Cheshire East and West reopened today, January 4, along with special schools and alternative education settings.

It comes despite pressure from unions to stop pupils returning to class – with a joint statement from the GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, Unison and Unite unions insisting there is a ‘serious risk’ of staff falling ill while Covid infection rates are so high.

"The Government's chaotic handling of the opening of schools has caused confusion for teachers, school staff and parents alike," the statement said.

"Bringing all pupils back into classrooms while the rate of infection is so high is exposing education sector workers to serious risk of ill-health and could fuel the pandemic."

Infection rates have more than doubled in Cheshire West over the past fortnight, with the latest rate from Public Health England standing at 396.1 per 100,000 people, compared to 243.1 one week ago and 176.6 two weeks earlier.

There has also been a sharp increase in Cheshire East, which has an infection rate of 323.3 per 100,000 people, compared to 232.5 one week ago and 144.7 two weeks ago.

Despite the concerns, Health Secretary Matt Hancock has this morning insisted it is safe for primary schools to reopen in all but the worst hit areas of England following the Christmas break.

He says that teachers are at no greater risk of contracting the disease than the rest of the population.

Mr Hancock told Sky News: "There is clear public health advice behind the position that we have taken and that is what people should follow because, of course, education is very important as well, especially for people's long-term health.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council issued a statement on Sunday night confirming primary schools were to reopen as planned, subject to any scheduled inset days.

The council says that schools in the borough will continue to conduct their own risk assessments and continue to follow national guidance on social distancing, face-coverings and handwashing.

Cllr Bob Cernik, cabinet member for children and families, said: "We understand that some members of school staff, parents and families will be concerned about the re-opening of schools and the possible implications for our borough.

“We have written to all headteachers today with advice regarding staff, parental and child safety.

"We are working with all of our schools, parents, governors and unions to ensure that children can continue to benefit from receiving their education in the classroom while making sure that all the necessary infection control measures are in place.

"We will continue to monitor the situation over the days ahead and work closely with our school leaders to manage the situation on a school-by-school basis."

In a statement issued last week, Cheshire East Council said it was working with schools in helping them ‘adapt to the many changes in guidance and advice throughout the pandemic’.

Cllr Kathryn Flavell, cabinet member for children and families said: “Ensuring the safety of our children and young people is our top priority. 

“These changes have been put in place because the infection rate is particularly high in secondary age children. 

“Our education and public health teams are working with schools and colleges to prepare for mass testing of pupils and staff and to provide remote learning where required.”

Under current plans, secondary school pupils in years 11 and 13 will return to class next week, while other years will follow in the week beginning January 18 – although children of key workers and vulnerable children can return to school sooner.

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