County Durham schools will reopen in phases 'when it is safe to do so', say council chiefs

Government plans have targeted a partial return to classrooms for pupils in nursery, reception, year one and year 6 from June 1 ‘at the earliest’.

The proposals have met a mixed response from headteachers, unions and political leaders, with some in favour and others fearing COVID-19 infection rates mean it is not yet safe.

And with just two weeks to go, bosses at Durham County Council say they are still working on plans to allow youngsters to formally return to studies, adding this will only be approved when the risk is considered low enough.

Richard Crane, the county council’s head of education and skills, said: “The safety of pupils and staff remains of paramount importance to us and we are continuing to liaise with schools across County Durham in monitoring and acting on government guidance.

“We are currently working with school leaders on their operational planning and risk assessments, to allow a phased reopening of schools when it is safe to do so.”

While County Durham is yet to make a firm commitment, neighbouring Hartlepool Borough Council was one of the first local authorities, both regionally and nationally, to make a decision.

Hartlepool confirmed on May 15 its schools would not reopen on June 1, blaming a continuing rise in infections.

Throughout lockdown, County Durham’s schools have remained open for the children of key workers, as well as those with Education Health and Care Plans or considered ‘vulnerable’.

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