'NO CHANCE' FOUR AND FIVE-YEAR-OLDS WILL SOCIAL DISTANCE ON RETURN TO THE CLASSROOM

ATHERSTONE parents put Boris Johnson back in front of the class today over four and five-year-olds being used as "guinea pigs" as part of a Covid-19 safety marker in Government's plans on a phased return of primary pupils to school.

Worried mums and dads took to social media to question the wisdom in the Prime Minister's announcement during his address to the nation that the start of June could see children in reception classes, year one and year six back at their desks.

June 1 was the date mentioned with officials making clear that nurseries would also be covered in any initial reopening of education although the majority of secondary pupils would not attend class until September at the earliest, Mr Johnson said.

Dozens of commentators on Atherstone People's Forum said even the staggered approach was alarming with the leader of the country's largest teaching union calling it "reckless".

Some forum followers raised their hands in "horror" at the idea their young children would be able to practice social distancing.

Chloe Stewart said: "It's never going to happen, as much as I feel the school did try and get the kids to understand about coronavirus before school closed.

"It's horrible. I would absolutely love the girls to go back to school as soon as possible but it's just not safe.

"My youngest isn't at school or nursery yet but has spent the last year in and out of hospital with respiratory issues.

"It's been an absolute miracle she has been fine throughout this. So I'll be damned if I send my older two back to school to bring it into our home now."

Kylie Parker spoke for many when she posted:" I completely respect Boris's decision to extend the lockdown and continue with social distancing measures.

"However, I have a daughter in year one and I most certainly will not be sending her back to school on June 1.

"She doesn't understand social distancing. She will be excited to see friends she hasn't seen for months.

"Why should my child be the guinea pig test to see if it's safe and successful?

"Why take chances? Why not send them back when we're much further along and in control?

"He said himself multiple times there's a risk of a second peak. I won't let my child be a fact or figure to lead towards that! If it's not safe for all then it shouldn't be safe for any."

Elaine Turnbull added: "I hate hearing 'it's got to start somewhere' . . .like saying we've got to see if any kids get it, God forbid die, then we know if we've done right bringing them back or not.

"I'd rather have a healthy child falling behind on education – although I would home school anyway – than take a risk with my child."

Steph Deeming agreed, adding: "As much as I would love to see my little one back with her friends and learning, I am not risking any of my family because of needing to start somewhere."

However, on the side for returning, Lorna Tarplin said: "My son is in year one and one of those due to go back.

"Although I'm obviously feeling anxious about it, it has to start somewhere. There will be less risk for the two year groups going back alone in June as I'm sure they will be split into very small groups."

Schelly Appleby, another positive for going back, commented: "I understand they will suffer if they miss development at that age and are probably lower risk.

"I have a three-year-old who goes to nursery but my year six daughter is happy to be going back and will understand rules."

Jade-Louise Parker suggested keeping schools open just for key worker' children, adding on the possible return of pupils: "None of the others parts of UK are even thinking it, so why the hell are we."

In conclusion, Beth Smith had a message for MPs: "Let the Government lead by example by returning to Parliament with no social distancing measures or PPE to prove it's safe for children to do the same.

"If they won't do it themselves, then neither should children and teachers."

Teaching unions have criticised the plans – with one raising concerns about how social distancing can be managed with younger children.

Dr Mary Bousted, joint general secretary of The National Education Union, said: "We think that the announcement by the Government that schools may reopen from June 1 with reception and years one and six is nothing short of reckless.

"Coronavirus continues to ravage communities in the UK and the rate of Covid-19 infection is still far too great for the wider opening of our schools."

The NEU said 85 per cent of 49,000 members who responded to a survey following Mr Johnson's speech said they disagreed with the suggestion to restart lessons for some year groups from June 1 while 92 per cent said they would not feel safe with the proposed wider opening of schools.

Dr Bousted urged the Government to meet five tests set out by teaching unions, which includes extra money for deep cleaning and personal protective equipment and local powers to close schools if clusters of Covid-19 infections break out in a particular area.

"If schools are re-opened to blatant breaches of health and safety, we will strongly support our members taking steps to protect their pupils, their colleagues and their families," she added.

"The worst outcome of any wider re-opening of schools is a second spike of Covid-19 infection."

In a similar stance, Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said that "social distancing is extremely difficult" with children in reception and year one.

"We are not trying to impede the reopening of schools," he said.

"Throughout the crisis we have highlighted the importance of bringing in more pupils when the time is right to do so and there is a clear plan in place to manage it safely.

"Unfortunately, we are not persuaded that either of these two simple tests has yet been met."

Union National Association of Head Teachers, which represents leaders in the majority of schools, said the announcement was likely to lead to questions from "anxious parents".

"Without explanation of why or how such a return is considered to be safe, tonight's announcement will not pass the 'confidence test', with parents and school leaders," general secretary Paul Whiteman warned.

"The Government will need to show some understanding rather than reckless determination if it wants to pass the confidence test. It will all be in vain if many parents still decide to keep their children at home despite the 'all clear' from the Government.

"Schools are likely to be inundated with questions from anxious parents about what this all means."

Meanwhile, Mr Johnson will provide more detailed plans to gradually ease the coronavirus lockdown when the Government publishes its official guidance amid widespread calls for clarity.

The Prime Minister will also face MPs later today after offering his "first sketch of a road map" for restarting the economy and social lives in England.

He will give a statement to the Commons, with more information expected on a Covid-19 alert system, use of face coverings and the return of professional football.