James welcomes new flexibility from the government to allow primary schools to welcome back additional children this term
The government have announced that where schools have capacity to welcome more children back, in group sizes of no more than 15, they are free to do so before the summer holidays.
James Wild MP, said -
It is important that we get children back to school as soon as it is safe to do so to ensure the continuity of their education.
I do know that throughout the decision making process on opening schools for more children, keeping children and staff safe has been the upmost priority.
Additional flexibility may be available at some schools, either because additional space is available or because the existing take-up amongst eligible children has been lower than expected, and there are staff available to teach and supervise. There is no expectation on primary schools to welcome back additional children where they do not have the capacity to do so.
This means that if you have a child in nursery, reception, year 1 or year 6 and have not yet taken up on the offer of a place for your child, your school may be in touch to ask if you intend to send your child back this term. If you do not, the school may choose to offer this capacity to another pupil.
Your school will contact you if it is able to welcome back additional children. It will be up to individual schools to decide which children to invite back.
Vulnerable children and young people
Colleges and schools will continue to offer places to vulnerable children and young people and children of critical workers.
Vulnerable children and young people in any year group should attend school, where it is appropriate and there are no shielding concerns for the child or their household, and/or following a risk assessment for children with an education, health and care (EHC) plan. This is so that they can gain the educational and wellbeing benefits of attending.
Protective Measures
The government have worked closely with Public Health England (PHE) to develop guidance on implementing protective measures which early years providers, schools and colleges should put in place. This guidance sets out a hierarchy of controls which create a safer system where the risk of transmission of infection is significantly reduced.
If a child, young person or staff member has symptoms compatible with coronavirus (COVID-19), or someone in their household does, they should not attend their school or other educational setting. If they develop symptoms while attending their setting, they will be sent home.
