Schools across Peterborough will start re-opening from next week

Schools across Peterborough will begin re-opening from next week following government confirmation that the plans can go ahead.
Most primary schools will be reopening on Monday. Picture: David Davies/PA WireMost primary schools will be reopening on Monday. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire
Most primary schools will be reopening on Monday. Picture: David Davies/PA Wire

The government has confirmed its position to allow primary schools, nurseries and early years settings to begin welcoming back Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils from Monday (1 June).

Secondary schools can follow on 15 June, with some Year 10 and Year 12 pupils being offered face-to-face time with their teachers, in preparation for their exams.

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The government set out five key measures, which needed to be met before they could consider reintroducing children and teenagers back into schools. They have reviewed the evidence and fully confident these measures have been met.

Education Leads at Cambridgeshire County and Peterborough City Councils have been working with schools, Academy Trusts and Diocese throughout, and have supported them in developing their own individual bespoke plans for phased extended reopening. For some, this will be from Monday, but for others it may be slightly later.

Every maintained school across our region has carried out a set of risk assessments, considering all aspects of their buildings, equipment and their revised approach to deliver learning while adhering to social distancing and maintaining the social ‘bubble’.

Both Councils have reviewed these assessments, and have full confidence in the rigour that has been applied by each school. The risk assessments have also been shared with Unions.

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Taking into account national government guidance, and local public health information, it is the view of Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council that schools can begin to start welcoming back more pupils from Monday, where their risk assessments have shown they are in a position to do so.

Vulnerable children and children of key workers from all year groups who have been attending school throughout the pandemic will continue to do so.

Jonathan Lewis, Service Director for Education at Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council said: “Our schools have been magnificent in their response to the pandemic so far. As have parents and carers, who have kept learning alive at home, and shown great tolerance and patience over the last few months.

“The safety of our children, their families and our school staff is, and always will be, our number one priority. I have confidence in the guidance set out by Government and Public Health colleagues, combined with the level of diligence and rigour applied by my colleagues in schools.

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“Our schools are different shapes and sizes, and each has its own individual circumstances – so some may not be in a position to reopen fully on Monday, but they won’t be far behind. The

government has asked that children should be taught in ‘bubbles; of up to 15 pupils - in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough these groups will all be between 8 - 12 pupils.

“Where schools can justify reasons through their risk assessments that they shouldn’t open, we will support them in this decision.

Schools are committed to keeping parents informed of their plans and they will be your point of contact.

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“I want to reiterate to parents and carers: it is your final decision on whether to send your children to school or not. We will not penalise any parent who doesn’t send their child to school in this academic year

“We will, of course, continue to keep a close eye on infection rates and any implications at a local level. Our communication with schools will continue. The hard work does not stop here.”

Cllr Lynne Ayres, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education, Skills and the University added: “We all know how important formal education is to the development of a child’s mind, along with nurturing their physical health and wellbeing. It brings me enormous pleasure to know the government’s five met and our schools are now ready and able to welcome our children back.”

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