Pupils from some primary schools in the North Lakes were finally returning to the classroom after the Government eased lockdown restrictions throughout England to end a 10-week coronavirus “holiday at home.”
The revised regulations allow children from nursery, reception, year one and year six to go back to primary schools including local ones at Bassenthwaite, Borrowdale, Braithwaite, Threlkeld and St Kentigern’s in Keswick. Pupils at senior schools, including Keswick School, cannot return until Monday 15th June at the earliest
Head teachers at local primary schools have made it clear that it is up to parents – many still with safety concerns about coronavirus – if they want their children to go in to school where two-metre social distancing and other restrictions will apply.
Sara Royle, head teacher at Bassenthwaite School, said six pupils were expected to return. She added: “We are open for parents who wish to send their children back to school but it is for parents to decide.”
Threlkeld School was opening its doors today (Tuesday) for a small number of pupils in the year groups named by the Government.
Braithwaite School teachers returned yesterday (Monday) for training, with pupils in year one and year six back in class today (Tuesday). A total of six children were returning in each year group, operating in separate “bubbles” with two members of staff assigned. A packed lunch will be served in the classroom. The school will look at children from the reception class returning the following week.
The largest primary school in the North Lakes is St Herbert’s in Keswick and head teacher Shelagh Hughes said there were 168 pupils in the returning year groups. However, she added: “There is a huge risk assessment process to go through and agree with the unions before anything can be set in stone.”
Plans on when to bring back year groups are still not certain at this point, although the school in Trinity Way is hopeful to be able to invite back year six some time after 8th June. Other year groups may follow. Parents of the children involved will be sent details in the coming days.
Keswick School staff and its local governing body has agreed to more widely open for students in Years 10 and 12 from 15th June at the earliest. Head teacher Simon Jackson said: “This will only be for students who want to attend and we will look to provide remote face-to-face support as an alternative where possible.”
Cllr Sue Sanderson, Cumbria Council council’s cabinet member for schools and learning, said: “There is such wide variety in our schools in terms of their buildings and the communities they serve that it is sensible for each to make its own decision about reopening, supported by expert advice from the council and public health.
“We all agree that safety is the over-riding consideration for schools in their decision about how and when to reopen and for which groups of pupils as specified by the prime minister.”
Parents are also warned that school transport is unlikely to be available as normal and parents sending their children to school may have to make their own arrangements.
