Peterborough education chief criticises ‘ridiculous’ timing of new government guidance as Spalding council leader calls for primary school closures

Service director for education in Peterborough and Cambridgeshire Jonathan Lewis tweeted last week: “Can’t believe more DFE guidance has come out this late on New Year’s Eve. Special schools have done brilliantly but setting the rules for Monday now is ridiculous.”

The Department for Education released a series of new guidance on New Year’s Eve, including for the full opening of special schools and other specialist settings.

Peterborough City Council released a statement on Sunday saying it expects schools to open where possible, although it said where maintained schools are unable to operate safely due to a lack of staff they will be fully supported to make decisions over either a partial or full closure.

Lime Academy Orton said on Monday it will not re-open immediately after the Christmas holidays due to a shortage of staff.

Mr Lewis has been praised for his efforts during the coronavirus pandemic, with chair of the Hampton Academies Trust Al Kingsley crediting him and the local authority for their support to schools.

Mr Kingsley has also criticised the Government for its timing of announcements after it left it until last week to delay the re-opening of secondary schools, other than for vulnerable children or children of key workers.

Meanwhile, leader of South Holland District Council Gary Porter has criticised the Education Secretary for ordering schools in some areas of Tier 4 to re-open today (Monday), but not in others.

The Conservative peer tweeted: “Dear @GavinWilliamson I was born in London (tier 4) and now live in @LincolnshireCC (also tier4 ) and I’m hoping my Grandchildren inherited my genes, does that mean they don’t have to return to primary school next week? Follow the science delay the return for all schools.”

Lincolnshire moved into Tier 4 - the highest for restrictions linked to Covid-19 - on New Year’s Eve.