BORIS Johnson has confirmed schools will reopen from next week but only for a small number of kids in reception, year one and year six from Monday.
Schools will have to follow strict social distancing measures – including limiting class sizes to 15 students.
The Prime Minister said this evening: “Closing schools has deprived children of their education
“On Monday we will start to put this right in a safe way by starting to opening up nurseries and years one, and six in primary schools.”
Mr Johnson announced the crucial five tests for lifting lockdown had been met – meaning the UK is now moving to alert level 3 – after being at level 4 for two months.
The Government has issued strict advice about how schools can introduce social distancing measures to keep kids and staff safe.
This includes limiting class sizes to 15 pupils, staggering lunch breaks and bringing in one-way systems in corridors where possible
Ministers have gone to great lengths over the last few weeks to assure parents and teachers it is safe for school doors to reopen after hardline unions pushed back against a June 1 reopening.
Children in reception, year one and year six are all in crucial transition year groups that will prepare them for the rest of their education, and the Government is keen to get them back for at least a month of learning before the summer holidays.
Boris Johnson revealed this evening:
- People living in England will be able to hang out in groups of six others from other households – but they must remain outside and stay 2m apart
- People will be able to play golf in groups of four, and tennis doubles from Monday
- Schools will open next week as planned – but for a small number of pupils only
- Businesses are set to return from June 15 as the PM revealed last week
The announcement comes after documents from the Government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies revealed the risk of children catching coronavirus is lower than adults.
Children in year 10 and year 12 – who will be sitting GCSE’s and A-levels next year – are expected to be sent back to classrooms next and get some face-t0-face time with teachers to help their home learning.
