HAMPSHIRE schools are preparing to reopen next month but some of them might not be able to do so, it has been revealed.

Education bosses across the county have confirmed that schools are looking at how they can safely reopen to more pupils.

But concerns over the safety of staff and students have been raised.

The news come as talks between teachers unions, the government and scientific advisor are ongoing after the government announced that children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 could return to school on June 1.

Cllr Darren Paffey, cabinet member for aspiration, children and lifelong learning, at Southampton City Council, said there are “considerable logistical challenges” that school leaders will need to manage before they can safely welcome more pupils.

He added: “For example around ensuring that social distancing is maintained by pupils in classrooms, and by parents at drop-off and pick-up times, as well as protective equipment for staff. For these reasons we’re taking a flexible approach. We’re supporting schools who cannot open when the government has suggested, and who need to bring pupils back gradually over a longer period, and we’re also supporting schools that are developing plans to open for the year groups proposed.”

Cllr Paffey was asked which city schools cannot reopen when the government has suggested and why. 

He said: “It’s not possible at this stage to say which schools will be opening up to more pupils from 1 June. The government has said that it will not make a final decision to allow schools to open up to more pupils until closer to that date. If the Government confirms that schools should re-open on a phased basis, each school will inform its parents and carers of the arrangements they are able to put in place and the timescales, having conducted the necessary risk assessments.”

Preparations are also under way across the rest of Hampshire.

Cllr Roz Chadd, executive member for education and skills at Hampshire County Council, said: “All schools have been asked to prepare for opening for these year groups and have been sent detailed guidance by the Department for Education. In Hampshire, headteachers and their staff are currently analysing that advice and planning to make sure they can open safely. If the Government confirms that schools should re-open on a phased basis, and continue support for vulnerable children and the children of key workers, each school will inform its parents and carers of the arrangements they are able to put in place, having conducted the necessary risk assessments.”

But Cllr Keith House, opposition leader at the county council, raised concerns over the government’s proposal.

He said:“ I am very concerned that the government’s plans have not been thought through both in terms of managing limited school space for young children and for the safety of staff.This needs much more careful thought by the government before schools are asked to reopen.”

The government had previously said its approach is based on scientific advice.

The Department for Education has been approached for comment.