Headteachers have questioned why ministers are going “so much further” with schools in England than the other UK nations are with their reopening plans.
While schools in Wales and Scotland begin phased returns this week in which, for the most part, only the youngest are back to class, schools in England are expected to make a full return two weeks today, which unions have described as “reckless” and a “big bang” approach.
Geoff Barton, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said the plans in England were “very different” to those in other home nations.
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“We share the government’s aim of bringing all children back to the classroom as soon as possible, but we remain concerned about the idea of a ‘big bang’ approach of a full return of pupils all at the same time,” said Mr Barton.
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“This is very different from the plans in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, in which a phased return is planned, and it is difficult to understand why the approach in England would go so much further.
“It is crucial that the return of all pupils to face-to-face education is safe and sustainable and that we don’t end up prolonging a cycle of disruption.
Prime minister Boris Johnson is expected announce further details about schools reopening this afternoon.
