The expected lifting of restrictions has contributed to speculations about reopening schools on June 1st. Two unions have urged the government to reconsider the decision of reopening schools.
The UK Prime Minister is expected to announce easing restrictions and outlining a plan on how to restart the country after several weeks of lockdown due to coronavirus. This has raised concern over the date which school should be reopened.
Some of the suggestions being floated around are whether the schools should reopen when the restrictions are lifted or should it be after an all-clear is given by the health ministry. Speculations that schools will reopen on June 1st has raised concern among parents and union leaders who view the date as too soon and unsafe.
Concerns about reopening schools in England
This has led to two leading unions in England to write to the education secretary, warning him of the dangers of restarting schools early. Patrick Roach, the general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, urged the government to reconsider moving the schools reopening dates until the start of the next academic year.
England is leading Europe in the number of deaths caused by coronavirus per capita, and with the virus not fully contained, Patrick argued this might be unsafe for school-going children.
Scotland and Wales approach
Scotland and wales have taken a different path to that of England, with a clearly laid out plan on when the schools will reopen. The Welsh government has already indicated that it will not follow England’s decision of reopening schools on June 1st if they decide to do so. Scottish first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, said the schools might remain closed until the end of summer.
Roach also warned the government to avoid speculation on when the schools in England will be reopened. In a letter sent to Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, he urged the ministry to be cautious so as to prevent more fatalities as a result of the coronavirus.
The National Association of Head Teachers (NAHT) also warned the government not to compel parents to send their children to schools once the restrictions are lifted. Paul Whiteman, the NAHT general secretary, said it would be a shame if parents were punished by the government for not sending their children to schools.
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