'We have lots of questions too' - Sunderland headteachers respond to Boris Johnson's announcement that schools could reopen in June

The Prime Minister says primary schools could open for some pupils from June 1, at the earliest.

Speaking to the nation on Sunday, May 10, Mr Johnson said pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 would be the first to return to school, if infection rates and other tests by the Government allow it.

The prime minister said there is also an "ambition" that secondary pupils facing exams next year, such as Year 10, would get some time in school before the summer holidays.

From today (Monday, May 11), people who cannot work from home are being actively encouraged to go to work instead of being told to only go if they must.

Anyone who cannot work from home, perhaps those in construction and manufacturing, "should be actively encouraged to go to work" from Monday, the PM said during his speech.

Now some schools, including Academy 360 in Pennywell, are extending their Childcare Provision to include pupils of parents who are required to return to work.

Many parents will have questions as to how logistically pupils will be able to return to schools in the coming months – and headteachers admit they are awaiting further clarification from the Government.

Simon Marshall, Director Education, at Together for Children Sunderland, said: “We are awaiting further guidance from Department for Education and are continuing to consult with all partners.”

This is how Sunderland schools have reacted to the announcement so far:

Rachel Donohue, headteacher for Academy 360, said: “When it is deemed safe to do so, a Re-opening Strategy will be deployed to welcome children and staff back to school.

“Whilst taking account of our curriculum needs it will also consider catering arrangements, business access arrangements, social distancing measures and PPE arrangements.

“I must stress that at this stage re-opening the primary phase in June is under Government consideration – students and staff safety remain our key priority.

“Our Academy 360 Childcare Provision will continue to operate as it has been doing for seven weeks – it provides a crucial service to key workers, including NHS staff.

“Yesterday evening I published a message on social media to advise any parent or carer who would be returning to work from today will have immediate access to the childcare provision.

“I hope that this eases some pressure given the difficult circumstances.”

A message from Hasting Hill Academy’s executive headteacher Natalie Fountain and head of school Sarah Robson said: “I know you will have lots of questions, but at this stage we cannot yet answer them.

“We have lots of questions too.

“We are waiting to receive more information from [the] Government about what this means for our school and about how we can ensure the safety of pupils and staff.

“This will always be our main priority. In the short-term, nothing has changed and we will provide you further information in the coming days and weeks once we are able to do so.”

Karen Field, headteacher of Seaview Primary in Seaham said: “Like me, I am sure that you were all watching the Prime Minister's update on television last night.

“I am also sure that you have lots of questions about the proposed phased return, from June 1, for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6. I know that we do!

“The Government has said that we will receive further advice about exactly what this means for our school. I will provide further information in the coming days and weeks, once I am able to do so.

“Rest assured, that the safety of your children and the staff will be paramount as we begin to plan for any phased return.”

Nichola Fullard, headteacher at Town End Academy, said: “I am sure many of you saw the Prime Minister’s announcement last night. The plan for schools was mentioned and as yet I have no further information about this.

“I heard it like you did last night.

“I am waiting for further guidance later today and will be working with staff from our school, Academy group and local authority to formulate a plan.

“As you know the safety of pupils, staff and the wider community of Town End is always my priority and this will be at the forefront of any plans we make. In the short term, nothing has changed.”