Cheshire East Council continues with phased return of schools

Cheshire East Council is continuing with a phased return of school pupils from June 15, the authority confirmed today.

It follows fears that the “R value” of the coronavirus was rising in the region and some authorities further delaying schools re-opening to wider pupil population.

Cheshire and Merseyside directors of public health support progressing plans for a phased return of reception, years 1 and 6 if safe.

The council is asking schools and colleges to encourage children known to social workers and those with an education, health and care plan to attend and offer provision for children of key workers, where this is required.

The phased return of primary schools which have social distancing measures in place includes nursery and reception pupils from June 15, Year 1 pupils from June 22, and Year 6 pupils from June 29.

This may vary between schools due to constraints of school buildings and staffing capacity.

All remaining primary school pupils will not be attending before the summer holidays in mid-late July.

Secondary schools should welcome back year 10 and year 12 (year 11 for alternative provision) pupils from June 15 for some face-to-face contact, with a maximum of 25% from the year group at any one time.

Pupils of special schools will be encouraged to return to school based on a review of their individual risk assessment.

Priority will be given to increasing places to children of key workers and children who have a social worker.

Special schools will consider a phased approach to support a wider opening to children and young people, which enables small groups to adjust to changes, where this is appropriate, from June 15.

The council also asks schools to review their home-learning arrangements and support for wellbeing of children and young people.

Schools are being urged to have “regular contact” with all children not invited back into school, to encourage and support learning and wellbeing.

Cllr Kathryn Flavell, cabinet member for children and families said: “We continue to support the current phased approach, with schools starting to open to pupils from 15 June, starting with younger children as set out in the Department for Education guidance.

“We have considered the views of representatives from early years colleagues, primary and secondary schools (with a mix of maintained and academies), the dioceses, trade unions, parent carer forum and the Department for Education in the review of our plans for the wider opening.

“Our children and young people deserve the best education available and the academic achievements of Cheshire East schools are well-known.

“While Covid-19 has had an impact on education across the country, we are committed to supporting schools and parents and pupils at this difficult time.

“It is important, for example, that schools should offer, as a minimum, some sessions to year 6 to allow pupils to say goodbye, celebrate their achievements and support them in planning for transition.

“Covid-19 has brought with it stress, uncertainty and anxiety for us all. We need to make sure any return to early years settings, schools and colleges is safe for children’s physical and emotional well-being.

“All schools will have risk assessments and preparations for wider opening in place to enable the wider opening from Monday 15 June 2020.

“We have worked closely with the Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum regarding the approach to supporting children with an education health and care plan.

“All schools should contact parents by the end of June, to discuss support arrangements.

“I would like to re-emphasise that there will be no pressure on parents to send their children to an early-years setting, school or college.

“No fines will be applied to parents who decide not to send their children to school, although we would encourage early-years settings, schools and colleges to share with parents the safety measures they have in place, so that parents can make an informed decision.”

Further information about arrangements for special schools, colleges and early years settings is available on the council’s website.