‘Far too early’: Mixed emotions as children return to class for first time in 10 weeks – but some schools stay shuttered

‘I just don’t want coronavirus back in my house again,’ parent keeping child at home tells Zoe Tidman

Social-distancing measures are enforced at a school in Worcester (PA)

Children have gone back to class after weeks of staying at home due to the coronavirus pandemic, but some schools are staying firmly closed, resulting in an educational postcode lottery.

The government has asked primary schools in England to welcome back pupils in reception, year 1 and year 6 from this week, with nurseries also expected to resume sessions.

But following weeks of debate over the issue, some schools are remaining closed and some children are staying at home – due to fears over health and safety or the “dystopian” nature of a socially distanced education.

While some county councils – such as Gloucestershire, Cornwall and Somerset – told The Independent they expected all or nearly all of their schools to welcome back more children from Monday, Durham County Council said it recommended all schools in its jurisdiction should remain closed for the next two weeks, while Trafford schools have been told to start welcoming children back on 10 June.

At the same time, some parents have said they believe it is best for their young children to stay at home for the time being.

Lucille Whiting, from Suffolk, said her daughter in year 1 will not be returning to school yet, adding it would be “a bit pointless” to homeschool her other four children while sending one child back.

The jewellery designer said she got coronavirus last month – as well as her husband and five children – and has struggled to shake it since.

“I just don’t want that thing back in my house again,” the 38-year-old said, adding it was unclear whether you can catch Covid-19 twice.

Ms Whiting said she was worried it may not be obvious if a child has the virus. “They could be walking around a classroom for days before anyone realises there is something wrong,” she added.

Rebecca Saunders from Essex said she has also decided to keep her daughter – who is in preschool – home for now.

“I think it’s far too early, and I am worried about her mixing with so many other children when the R value is still so high,” she told The Independent.

She said her daughter’s headteacher has been “very honest” about what a socially distanced education will be like for the young children, such as which toys will be off-limits.

“Her preschool will not be how she remembers it, the amazing place it’s been for the last two years,” the 36-year-old, who works in PR, said. “I want her to enjoy herself.”

Ms Saunders added: “As much as I am desperate for some time to myself, I think it’s best for her to be at home where she can do as she pleases, play with what she wants and not worry.”

Damon Charles, a 47-year-old from Somerset, said he would rather keep his two daughters – who go to primary school – in a “stable” environment at home.

The digital designer said he thought this would be better than the “weird and slightly dystopian environment the schools will have to create in order to allow kids in”.

And while the Department for Education is yet to release numbers on how many schools are reopening, or how many parents are sending their children back (where that option exists), a survey by the National Foundation for Educational Research found that headteachers expect nearly half (46 per cent) of families to keep their children at home.

Schools, colleges and nurseries closed 10 weeks ago due to the Covid-19 outbreak, remaining open only for vulnerable youngsters and the children of key workers.

The government asked nurseries to reopen and primary schools to start bringing back more children from 1 June. Ministers also wanted secondary schools and colleges to start providing face-to-face support for year 10 and 12 pupils.

Downing Street said it expected the majority of primary schools in England to open to more children this week.

However, a higher proportion of schools are expected to bring back more pupils this week in some parts of the country than others.

While Staffordshire predicted about three-quarters of its 313 primary schools would take in more pupils on 1 June, schools in Liverpool were open on 1 June but only for children of key workers and vulnerable children, a city council spokesperson told The Independent.

“Health and safety is the paramount concern and we do not expect schools to reopen to a wider cohort until a proper risk assessment has taken place,” they said. “And the appropriate measures have been put in place to protect children and staff, and to prevent further spread of the virus.”

Roz Chadd, a councillor at Hampshire County Council, said it varied from school to school how many pupils have been welcomed back from the year groups who can return: 90 per cent in some cases, and around half in others.

“From the initial feedback we have had, schools are reporting that children are pleased to be back and excited to see their friends.”

Downing Street said Monday was the start of a “cautious and phased return” to school, adding: “We fully understand that there will be some schools who feel that they need more time to prepare.”

Asked what Boris Johnson’s message to parents would be, the prime minister’s spokesperson said: “We have only taken this step because we believe it is safe to do so... It’s hugely important that children do have the opportunity to get back into school and to learn but we are doing this in a very cautious and safe way.”

They added that plans for all children in primary schools to have a month in class before the summer “remain under review”.

Speaking about schools reopening this week, Gavin Williamson said: “I know that huge amounts of planning and preparation has taken place to make this possible, and I cannot thank our teachers and staff enough for everything that they are doing.”

The education secretary added: “I recognise there may continue to be some nervousness among families, but I want to reassure parents – and those working in schools and nurseries – that the welfare of children and staff continues to be at the heart of all of our considerations.”

Additional reporting by Press Association