Leeds teachers 'don't think it's safe' to reopen schools in June

Many teachers in Leeds "don't think it's safe" to reopen schools in June and are concerned that they could become "the centre of a fresh peak in the virus".

That's the message from Patrick Murphy, secretary of the Leeds branch of the National Education Union (NEU), which represents around 4,500 teachers in the city.

The government has announced that the phased reopening of schools will begin on June 1, and that children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 will be the first to return.

However, the NEU believes this approach is rushed and could put teachers, children and their families at risk.

Many of the schools in Leeds have remained open for vulnerable children during lockdown, but Leeds City Council has announced that it would be "impossible" for all schools in the city to reopen safely to more pupils in June.

The NEU have also raised serious concerns about the government's decision to send the youngest children back to school first.

'We don't think it's safe'

The union wants the government to sit down with teachers and work out a national plan for the reopening of schools, set clear social distancing guidelines for schools and establish a more comprehensive test, track and trace programme.

Mr Murphy said: "We would be happy to spend most of the term agreeing a national plan that would make a return in September likely and safe, assuming of course that the virus is under control in society.

"We don't think it's safe for schools to open to more pupils from June 1.

"We think it's the wrong approach to set a particular date and insist on pupils returning from that day onwards.

"We have concerns about groups of children and adults gathering in buildings in a way they haven't done for seven weeks."

He added: "Children can spread it to us - the adults working in schools - and pick it up and infect relatives at home, some of whom will be vulnerable, so that's a concern.

"On a society-wide level, we're concerned that schools could become the centre of a fresh peak in the virus.

"We could end up pushing for a short-term return to schools to make everyone feel like things are better, but long term we could see another lockdown in the autumn because schools have helped to spread the virus.

"It's a very reckless and dangerous move to make."

The government insists that keeping teachers and pupils safe is "is our utmost priority" and they are working with schools to ensure a "range of protective measures" are in place.

It says schools are being told to cut class sizes, to reduce the risk of infection, enforce social distancing measures and thoroughly clean school buildings.

Children in the Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 will be strongly encouraged to return to school, but attendance is not compulsory and those who are high-risk or showing symptoms will be told to stay home.

Any member of staff or pupil who shows symptoms of the virus after returning to school will be tested.

However, Mr Murphy says the government's approach is "rushed and not really thought out very well."

He said: "Children can spread it to us - the adults working in schools - and pick it up and infect relatives at home, some of whom will be vulnerable, so that's a concern.

"On a society-wide level, we're concerned that schools could become the centre of a fresh peak in the virus.

"We could end up pushing for a short-term return to schools to make every feel like things are better, but long term we could see another lockdown in the autumn because schools have helped to spread the virus.

"It's a very reckless and dangerous move to make."

'They cannot socially distance'

He added: "Most of the education community were shocked when Boris Johnson announced on May 10 included early years children in the groups of people who would be first to return.

"Any teacher and any parent will tell you they cannot socially distance. Very young children will run up to teachers and support staff, hug them and play around with each other.

"It was quite shocking that they were one of the groups chosen to bring back first. I think this is about pushing parents to go back to work by getting their very young children back to school.

"I've read all the government guidance and they know these children can't socially distance."