Council will support Telford schools that stay shut over Covid concerns
Telford & Wrekin Council says it will support headteachers who decide to keep schools closed amid concerns over coronavirus.
The council said it did not have the power to take the action itself, but would back schools that opt not to reopen.
The comments came in a statement from council leader Shaun Davies, and the authority's cabinet member for children, young people, education and lifelong learning, Councillor Shirley Reynolds.
Councillor Davies said the rate of infection in the borough had risen significantly since Christmas.
As of 1 January, there were 312 cases per 100,000 population in Telford and Wrekin – the rate as of December 23 was 167.
The statement said: "As a local authority, we do not have the power to close any of the schools in the borough.
"However, we are working with individual schools to support them with their plans and will support head teachers with whatever arrangements are made at each school."
Parents have been advised to check school websites to keep up to date with any decisions.
The councillors said parents could be assured there would be no fines for keeping children at home if they have concern about Covid.
They said: "We understand the concerns of teachers and school staff who do not feel it is safe to return to school, given the latest government’s scientific advice, and as a result have opted to switch to remote learning as an alternative.
"At the same time, we urge parents to keep their children away from school if they feel ill.
"There will be no fines for parents who keep their children at home, if they have concerns about Covid-19. Parents and carers should speak to their school about this."
The councillors called for teaching staff to be prioritised in the vaccination plan.
They said: "Telford & Wrekin Council continues to work closely and constructively with our head teachers and governing bodies to ensure schools are as safe as possible.
"We have advised schools they should prioritise opening for vulnerable children, as well as children of critical key workers, if they do not have enough staff to open for all children.
"For those children falling outside these groups, remote learning should be introduced.
"Looking ahead, we are committed to protecting the most vulnerable and ensuring they receive the vaccination at the earliest opportunity.
"We also believe staff in educational settings, alongside other critical front line workers, should be prioritised in the vaccine rollouts, so children can return to their classrooms safely.
"Along with many other councils across England, we are actively expressing our disappointment to the Secretary of State, Gavin Williamson, regarding the last minute policy changes by the Department for Education throughout this pandemic and the real impact this has had on the wellbeing of dedicated education professionals, children, young people and their families.
"Information about mass testing was provided right at the end of last term, all school leaders were provided with policy documents late on New Year’s Eve and schools have been expected to work over this weekend to coordinate changing arrangements for the beginning of term.
"There has been a lack of national leadership to this national crisis. This is simply not good enough."
When are schools due to reopen across UK?
Plans for when schools will reopen following the Christmas break differ across the four nations.
– England
All of London’s primary schools and those in some surrounding areas will not reopen until January 18 due to the fast-spreading variant of Covid-19.
Primary schools elsewhere have been told to stay open and Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said parents should send children back to classrooms where they are open this week.
But local leaders across the country have said they will support head teachers that decide it is safer if schools remain closed.
Secondary schools in England will have a staggered return, with those taking exams this year resuming in-person teaching on January 11 and other year groups on January 18.
– Scotland
The Christmas break has been extended until January 11 in Scotland, with teaching to be online only until January 15.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the “planning assumption” remains to open schools for face-to-face learning on January 18, but parents will be informed of any changes that may be necessary.
– Wales
Schools are set to use staggered returns for pupils in Wales, with face-to-face learning expected to return for most by January 11 and a full return before January 18.
On Sunday, First Minister Mark Drakeford said a “phased and flexible return” had been agreed with local authorities, which would allow schools to choose their reopening date based on the coronavirus situation in their area.
He said the Welsh Government would “keep this under consideration”, while its technical advisory group would look at all available evidence early next week.
– Northern Ireland
First Minister Arlene Foster said remote learning for schoolchildren in Northern Ireland should only be for a short period.
Primary pupils are to be taught remotely for the week from January 4-8, while for secondary school Years 8 to 11, remote learning is due to last for the entire month.
