Plans to re-open Hucknall schools under way amid union concerns

Schools have been closed apart to children of key workers since late March as coronavirus took hold.

The government announced that schools, with suitable precautions such as social distancing where possible and restricted numbers per class, will be able to open to specific pupils from next Monday (June 1).

In primary schools the suggestion was to focus on nursery, reception and year one and six pupils.

Secondary and academy schools are coming up with a system suitable for their specific needs and sites.

But UNISON head of education Jon Richards is adamant the government has neither met unions’ safety tests nor its own.

Hucknall’s Holgate Academy was one of the first schools in the country to fully close after the parent of a pupil tested positive for Covid-19.

It plans to begin to reopen to a small number of year ten and 12 students from Monday, June 8, provided all risk measures are in place.

A statement from the school reads: ‘Our initial plans are to invite small groups into school for a three-hour session approximately every two weeks. Please do not send your child into the academy until arrangements are in place.’

A consultation is underway at National Academy and hopes that in the coming weeks it will be ‘able to provide a clear pathway for certain parts of the school family to receive face to face teaching in some capacity’.

Bulwell Academy is sending out a survey to see which parents would be happy to meet the government’s aspiration to provide some face-to-face contact between years ten and 12 students and their teachers in June.

Principal Michelle Strong writes: ‘We are trying to gauge numbers of who would or may return.

‘We will then put a plan in place and will share with all parents, once finalised.’

There are also a huge number of primary schools in the Dispatch district. Stay in touch with your individual school for details of any return or consultation/

You can also share your views on the schools re-opening plan by emailing [email protected].