Coronavirus: Teachers' unions warn against reopening schools without rollout of 'test and trace' policy

‘Parents and staff need full confidence that schools will be safe before any pupils return’

(Tim Goode/PA)

Teachers’ unions have warned that opening schools in the UK without fully rolling out a ‘test, trace and isolate’ policy could risk ‘increased transmission levels’ of coronavirus.

Suggestions of a potential reopening of schools in June prompted teachers’ union to issue the warning in an open letter that throws into doubt ministers’ plans to reopen schools across the UK.

“There should no increase in pupil numbers until the full rollout of the government’s “test, trace and isolate policy” with testing targets consistently met over a number of weeks and case numbers falling consistently,” the letter, from the Trades Union Congress (TUC), said.

“A wider reopening before such a regime is in place would be completely unviable and would risk increased transmission levels, and ultimately deaths.”

The idea that schools should reopen at the beginning of June comes as Boris Johnson prepares to announce the easing of lockdown restrictions on Sunday, although the environment secretary George Eustice on Friday warned there would not be a “dramatic change” overnight.

Among the suggestions for easing lockdown restrictions that have been in place since March was the idea that primary schools could reopen.

They have been closed to the majority of children – excluding those of key workers, and vulnerable children – since the lockdown began.

But in a letter to the secretary of state for education, Gavin Williamson, the TUC warned against such a move without first ensuring the safety of staff and students.

TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Parents and staff need full confidence that schools will be safe before any pupils return.

“The government must work closely with unions to agree a plan that meets the tests we have set out. Those discussions must include unions representing all school workers, not just teachers.

“The best way to do this is through a national taskforce for safe schools, with government, unions and education stakeholders. Schools must also get extra funds from government to pay for essential safety measures like PPE and additional cleaning.”

However, a government official told The Guardian that they had never set a date for the potential reopening of primary schools, while objections from teachers’ unions appear to be taken seriously.

Previously, Mr Williamson said there was no timeline for schools reopening, telling a press conference in April: “Of course, I want nothing more than to see schools back, get them back to normal, make sure the children are sat around, learning, and experiencing the joy of being at school.

“But I can’t give you a date,” he added, explaining the “five tests” for easing lockdown needed to be met first.

These include ensuring the NHS will not be overwhelmed, a decrease in the death rate and slowing of infection, and adequate PPE being available.