Education chiefs say around three quarters of primary schools across Staffordshire will reopen today (1st June).

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 in Lichfield are among those who will be going back to class.

It comes after the Government eased coronavirus restrictions.

But the school day will be different from before the COVID-19 outbreak, with smaller class numbers to allow for social distancing.

Cllr Philip White, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for learning and employability said:

“Opening schools has to be a balancing act between ensuring pupils are not disadvantaged in their studies, and keeping the virus contained.

“This is why schools across Staffordshire have been working hard to determine how they can open to more pupils whilst maintaining social distancing.

“Arrangements will differ from school to school, but each school will have already informed parents of the measures they are putting in place.

“With the new test and trace system launched last week, there are now more measures in place to quickly deal with any issues if they occur.”

Cllr Philip White, Staffordshire County Council

During the coronavirus lockdown period, only some children have been allowed to attend classes.

“Schools haven’t been closed through this pandemic – many have been open to the children of key workers, and many more have been helping pupils continue their studies online.

“Most of our schools will be opening to certain year groups today, while others will open in the coming days as soon as they are confident they have the right measures in place to protect pupils and staff.

“We will continue to support all schools, and give them the advice and guidance needed to operate safely.”

Cllr Philip White, Staffordshire County Council

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.

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John Griffin
3 years ago

Most have been open anyway, for varying numbers of students. Having followed the bogus test and trace saga it is pathetic to see the Cllr repeating the Johnsonian hyperbole over the Deloitte/Harding disaster zone. Baroness Harding, ennobled in 2014 and married to a Tory MP and Johnson acquaintance, famously did not know whether TalkTalk encrypted its comms when the massive data steal she presided over was investigated. Cronyism and hyperbole to deal with potential horrific death, plus Staffs CC failing to heed urgent scientific advice to wait a fortnight.