COUNTY education chiefs have welcomed the Government’s decision to send youngsters back to school on March 8.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed the move on Monday (February 22) as part of his road map for the country to emerge from the Coronavirus lockdown.
The decision has sparked criticism from a number of teaching unions with many favouring a staggered return to school for teachers and pupils to minimise the risk of a surge in Covid cases.
But Coun Marcus Hart, cabinet member for Education and Skills, welcomed the decision.
“The safety of children and staff who work in our schools remains our number one priority,” he said.
“We are working closely with schools and colleagues in Public Health and the DfE to fully plan and prepare for sites to fully reopen to the whole of the school community when the current lockdown restrictions are eased.
“Our schools have done a fantastic job throughout the periods of restrictions, ensuring our students have been able to access quality education through remote learning.
“I have seen first-hand the level of detail and the hard work and preparation that goes in to help keep the school day run as smooth as possible during the pandemic, and I look forward to hearing about positive experiences once again when staff and students safely return.”
