Parents 'not obliged' to send children to school - 'deep concerns' that 'what's good for London might not be for Sunderland'

The government has set itself a target of seeing classrooms partially reopened for pupils in nursery, reception, year one and year 6 from June 1 ‘at the earliest’.

But education bosses for Wearside say they have ‘deep concerns’ about the plans and have insisted any decision on restarting lessons should be left to headteachers.

RELATED: 'Too soon for the North?' - Boris Johnson warned of damaging 'national unity' if he ignores North East fears over coronavirus

Instead, Graeme Miller, the leader of Sunderland City Council, claimed the UK was ‘on a knife-edge’ in the fight against COVID-19 and warned easing lockdown showed a disregard for public health.

He said: “Many parents are rightly concerned that the reopening of schools is premature at this time and myself and the city’s cabinet tend to agree with them.

“We disagree with the Government’s move to open schools further – it would seem to be a decision taken based on London’s figures – where the R [reproduction] rate is significantly lower than here in the North East.”

He added: “What is right for London may not be right for Sunderland – there is a huge disparity between the rate of infection here and in other parts of the country, and like many other parts of the country that are speaking out, we have to stand up and protect our residents where we believe the Government is needlessly risking their health.”

Official figures on the coronavirus outbreak have suggested the North East has the highest infection rate of any other part of the country.

And data from regional health bosses has shown up to May 10 Sunderland had the second highest number of infections per 100,000 in the region, just behind Gateshead.

Coun Miller added: “We cannot expect teachers – or children – to be in a school environment in Sunderland unless they know that it is safe for them, and there are serious question marks about that presently, based on the localised health picture in the North East.

“If you have any doubts or concerns, stay at home, stay safe and save lives.”

Some areas, such as Hartlepool, have said they will not reopen on June 1, blaming a continuing rise in infections.

Neighbouring County Durham declined to copy the commitment, but did promise it would follow government guidelines not to punish parents who choose not to return their children to the classroom.

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