Peterborough academy trusts chiefs warn of ‘irreparable damage’ if schools do not re-open

The warning was issued by Nick Hudson, chief executive of the Ormiston Academies Trust, and Adrian Ball, chief executive of the Ely Multi-Academy Trust, in a letter to The Times sent by 23 academy trust chiefs.

The letter stated: “For any child, prolonged absence from school is concerning. For disadvantaged pupils, it is calamitous.

“If we do not take action and reopen schools soon, the impact of lost learning could be irreparable.

“We are also conscious of the economic imperative that schools reopen so people can get back to work. The Government’s decision to proceed with the next phase of school reopening, provided key tests are met, will have been difficult, but reopening is essential.

“Our staff and pupils’ wellbeing is paramount and we are committed to implementing protective measures, advised by public health experts, to keep them safe at all times.”

They added: “Some of the debate over reopening has been unhelpful and doesn’t reflect our sector. We ask for improved dialogue and for all parties to work together from now. We need to abide by scientific advice, collaborate and welcome children back to school.”

Ormiston Academies Trust runs Ormiston Meadows Academy, while the Ely Multi-Academy Trust runs St. Botolph’s C of E (C) Primary School, Stanground St John’s Church of England Primary School, Stilton Church of England Primary Academy, William de Yaxley Church of England Academy, Holme Church of England Primary Academy and Farcet C of E Primary School.

The Government wants to see primary schools reopen for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils from June 1, unless there is a rise in coronavirus infections.

At the moment, schools are only open for vulnerable children and children of essential workers.

However, the plans have been criticised by education unions which do not believe it is safe for schools to open to more pupils.

Some councils, including Liverpool, have said they will not re-open on June 1.

In an interview with the Peterborough Telegraph, Julie Taylor, chief executive of the Thomas Deacon Education Trust, said she hoped to reopen the trust’s three Peterborough primary schools - Gladstone, Welbourne and Thomas Deacon - next month, but that only if it was safe to do so.

She said this would likely see children and a teacher or teaching assistant placed together in a single ‘bubble’ of 10.