Covid-19: School Reopening

Mr Speaker, I am grateful to you for granting this urgent question. We had requested to make a statement this week, but Members will understand that there are restrictions on the number of statements, so I am grateful to the hon. Member for Oxford West and Abingdon (Layla Moran) for the opportunity to answer questions today.

I thank the hon. Lady for her questions; I am glad that she recognises the importance of ensuring that children are back getting their education in schools at the earliest possible moment. When we have medical and scientific advice saying that it is the right time to start bringing schools back in a phased and controlled manner, it seems only the right thing to do, and only the responsible thing to do.

We need to get our children back to school at the earliest opportunity. Every day that schools remain shut, the disadvantage gap widens and vulnerable children risk falling through the cracks. However, we should reopen schools only when we know it is safe. Given that we still do not know about transmissibility between children, can the Secretary of State reassure us that these decisions are based solely on public health?

I strongly welcome the approach that the Secretary of State is taking in getting children back to school in a phased way. I understand that schools will not officially be open in the summer, but given that close to 90% of vulnerable children are not in education, and that figures from the Sutton Trust suggest that at least 50% of pupils did not communicate with their teachers in the first week of April, will my right hon. Friend support the opening of summer schools over the holidays, to be staffed by volunteers, graduates and an army of retired teachers, to provide catch-up tuition to those children who have been left behind?

We all desperately want schools to reopen for the sake of children’s education and wellbeing, but the Secretary of State must appreciate that the guidance provided so far does not yet give the clear assurances over safety that are needed. Anxious shielding families, worried grandparents, teaching staff in fear—sadly, this sums up the theme of the past 48 hours.

Emphasises the importance of supporting schools in a phased reopening approach. Stresses giving maximum support to every school while ensuring flexibility for individual circumstances. Outlines plans for gradual return from 1 June if allowed, prioritising notice given to schools.

Asks for clarity on guidance for secondary sector, particularly regarding 'face-to-face support' and voluntary basis of year group returns. Requests support for those taking GCSEs and A-level exams.

Reaffirms the importance of supporting secondary students facing important qualifications next year. Plans to allow teachers to assess learning needs and set work levels for summer holidays.

Questions the scientific evidence on children's transmission abilities. Criticises England's plan compared to Scotland’s cautious approach, highlighting issues of teacher shortages, classroom availability, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Acknowledges close work with Scottish Government during pandemic. Emphasises that the decision to reopen schools will be based on scientific evidence published by SAGE.

Asks if reopening approach aligns with European countries and inquires about guidance for physical education (PE) classes.

Confirms importance of PE. Issued guidance on safe use of equipment and non-contact sports at initial stage. Aims to engage all young people in physical activity.

Highlights NAHT's concerns over lack of consultation, unrealistic class sizes post-reopening, and children being more likely to be asymptomatic if infected with COVID-19. Requests public health evidence on transmission risks.

Reiterates engagement with union leaders, sector representatives, and publication of SAGE advice. Assures ongoing consultation to address concerns.

Thanks staff for remaining open during pandemic. Requests reassurance on pupil safety being priority with testing eligibility extended. Confirms unions and leaders consulted.

Thanking staff for dedication, confirms priority testing for teachers and those displaying symptoms including children and families. Emphasises importance of test and trace in pandemic control.

Acknowledges school staff's dedication but criticises proposals as ill-thought out, risking health and safety standards lower than those expected elsewhere like Tesco. Warns against potential negative impacts on children’s learning and community spread.

Asserts decision based on welfare of children and staff, criticising scaremongering for placing unnecessary pressure on all involved.

Acknowledges the need to minimise risk while recognising health and wellbeing effects of prolonged absence. Requests assurance that headteachers will have flexibility within guidelines.

Agrees on impact beyond education, supports need for school flexibility to adapt proposals to unique circumstances.

In the Government guidance for educational and childcare settings, it states that children have less severe symptoms than adults and are less likely to become unwell if infected with coronavirus. However, there is a danger that children might be asymptomatic carriers, posing risks to school staff and other pupils. The Secretary of State must address concerns from heads, teachers, support staff and parents about reopening schools safely.

The phased return of schools is based on ensuring safety for all involved, including children, teachers, and support staff. The approach mirrors what has been done in countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and others, where there have not been negative impacts from school reopenings. We will continue to monitor scientific advice and adjust our programme if necessary.

Denmark’s successful reopening of primary schools on 15 April shows that it is possible to safely return to school with minimal risks. The Danish experience provides valuable lessons for the UK, and we should learn from their approach.

My constituents are frustrated by the lack of distinction in policy between England and Wales. The Secretary of State must clarify that the decision to reopen schools is for the Welsh Government, which will not reopen schools on 1 June until it is safe.

Nervous parents and staff are concerned about whether 1 June is too early for a phased return to school. The Secretary of State must reassure them that this decision was made based on explicit scientific and medical advice, but we will adjust if the situation changes.

Chris Whitty has called for a proper debate about teachers’ safety as schools reopen. The Secretary of State must commit to ensuring the safety of teachers and their pupils through comprehensive guidance.

The phased return presents additional challenges for grammar schools, especially with the 11-plus exam in September. The Secretary of State must work with local authorities to ensure that disadvantaged children are not at a disadvantage as they prepare for these exams.

While everyone wants schools to reopen, the current guidance raises more questions than it answers. Parents fear sending their children back due to social distancing challenges. The Secretary of State must work with education unions and others to create a clear working plan for reopening when science indicates it is safe.