'Why put them at risk?' - Sunderland families speak out against Government's plans for school return on June 1

As the Government moves forward with plans to reopen some schools next week, Sunderland families have spoken of the risks of sending children back too early.

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Speaking at the Downing Street press briefing on Sunday May 24, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he is sticking to his date for schools opening in England on Monday, June 1 – but added that "it may not be possible" for all of them to do so.

Early years, Reception and Years 1 and 6 are set to be the first to return, with hopes for secondary schools to provide “some contact” with Year 10 and 12 children from Monday, June 15.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street on Sunday, May 24. Picture: PA.Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street on Sunday, May 24. Picture: PA.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson during a media briefing in Downing Street on Sunday, May 24. Picture: PA.
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And with one week to go until the Government’s intended return date for schools, we asked Echo readers if they would feel comfortable sending their children back to the classroom on Monday, June 1.

At time of writing more than 1,400 people had voted in our poll with 78% answering no.

This is what you said on the Sunderland Echo Facebook page:

Melissa Lancaster: “My son’s consultants’ decision overruled Boris in my case. So my child isn’t allowed to return anytime soon. I’m glad the decision was [taken] away from me to be honest as I know there’s going to be families who won’t be implementing the social distancing. And that could prove dangerous to my child!”

Kirsty Dickson: “The flu can be fatal to some people just like coronavirus but we don't hide away from it, we carry on as normal. We have to go on living our lives otherwise there isn't going to be a NORMAL world to return to.”

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Caroline Errington: “Absolutely disgraceful they are not getting educated anyway so why put them at risk?”

Anjii Grace Beck: “Hope these people voting no are still keeping safe, because the majority of folks are now carrying on as normal.”

Ingrid Golden: “Give [until] September 1, see how it goes but no holidays Blackberry week only Christmas break, if all well.”

Gary Thompson: “It’s all about our instincts … I’ll send our four back when my instincts tell me it’s safe.”

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