Covid: County Durham schools not reopening amid 'safety' fears

It is up to individual schools whether or not to reopen fully, but the government says they should

A number of North East primary schools have decided not to fully reopen amid fears of the spread of the coronavirus.

The government has urged schools to reopen as normal after the Christmas holidays, but teaching unions have said learning should be done online.

More than 15 County Durham schools have said they will not fully open until 18 January because of "safety concerns".

Councils have said they will support the decisions made by the schools based on "individual local risk".

Olwyn Gunn, Durham County Council's cabinet member for children, said: "Our school leaders and staff have provided outstanding commitment over the last nine months to enable continuity of education as far as possible and a safe environment in which pupils can learn and staff can work.

"If school leaders believe that it is not safe to open their schools to all pupils due to their risk assessment, we will support them in their decision."

Jane Davis, head teacher at Lanchester Primary School said they were expecting a decision from the government

Lanchester Primary School was due to reopen on Tuesday, but will now remain closed to all but children of key workers.

Head teacher Jane Davis said: "We had hoped to welcome back 425 excited children after a wonderful Christmas holiday, but we just felt it was not safe to do so.

"It was a very difficult decision to make, and so last minute as well, yesterday lunchtime, which is just not acceptable for working parents so late in the day. But we were expecting a decision to come from the top, from the government, and that didn't happen.

"I haven't slept much this weekend because you've got so much pressure and you're making decisions which affect so many families."

'Routine and normality'

Crook Primary and Nursery School said it would stay closed until 18 January due to staff safety concerns, while Bowburn Junior School said it would only be open to vulnerable pupils and the children of key workers due to "insufficient staffing to open the school fully".

Cestria Primary School in Chester-le-Street did decide to open to all pupils.

One parent, Lynn Barclay, said: I'm not a key worker and I'm quite relieved to send them back to get a bit of routine and normality in their lives, meet friends and try and get a bit of an education as well.

Other councils including Northumberland, Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside, have said they will "support schools in whatever decision they make".

However, Middlesbrough mayor Andy Preston told BBC Radio Tees schools should stay open for now as there is a lack of data on the risk posed by them.

He said: "Until there is more evidence as to how dangerous the schools might be, keeping the schools open is really important.

"We have to find the right balance."

Parents are being urged to check school websites for more information on specific statuses.