Reopening of schools on March 8 dubbed 'reckless' by Luton branch of teaching union

Yesterday (Monday), Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced all schools in England would reopen on March 8, as part of his roadmap out of lockdown.

Facemasks will be required for all secondary school pupils in classrooms and shared spaces, including corridors.

Breakfast and after-school clubs will also return and other children’s activities like sports cubs can be allowed to restart “where necessary to help parents to work”, the PM added.

According to the National Education Union, a full return means 10 million pupils and staff will travel to and from school each day.

David Mingay, joint secretary of the National Education Union branch in Luton, said: "We recognise that schools should be a priority in any reopening of society however reopening the schools in one 'big bang' is reckless and will lead to increase in cases.

"The government's own SAGE committee has said that reopening of schools will raise the R-rate by up to 50% which will push the R-rate over 1."

Mr Mingay warned that the ten million pupils and teacher would be mixing in social bubbles without social distancing and poor ventilation.

He added: "The government is allowing the uncontrolled spread of the virus amongst the school population which may lead to further mutations of the virus which will spread amongst the general population.

"The government has made no commitment to vaccinating school staff or other key workers leaving them at risk although this would not slow the spread of the virus in the community. We would urge the Government to think again and move to a more staggered and cautious approach in line with the devolved nations."