Sandwell schools to reopen but many children will stay home
Sandwell schools are to reopen at the beginning of June.
But despite the relaxation of Government lockdown rules, many children are still expected to remain at home as primaries and secondaries limit the number of pupils returning to education.
Councillor Joyce Underhill, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for best start in life, explained the borough’s 114 schools will be allowed to let certain age groups return to the classroom.
She said: “We will be working closely with schools this week to review the guidance published by the DfE yesterday. We have asked schools to consider the guidance and its implications for their school site, their staff and their children.
“If conditions allow, primary schools will be partially open from 1 June for children in nursery, reception, year one and year six classes although, how this is managed will differ from school to school based on the needs of children, building design and staff availability.”
She added: “Secondary schools are being asked to look at how, on a rota basis, they can have face-to-face contact with children in years 10 and 12 whilst following social distancing rules.
“The Government is issuing further guidance over the next few weeks which we will assimilate in to our advice to schools and parents.”
Since March, only children of key workers and those seen as vulnerable have been in the classroom.
On Monday, the Government announced a limited reopening dependent on the rate of coronavirus infections across the country continuing to fall.
It is hoped all primary school pupils will be able to return to class later in June.
Children in the first three years of secondary education are not expected to return until September.
