HEADTEACHERS have answered questions that parents may have as pupils return to the classroom next week.

The spoke out as preparations ramped up for the return next week, with fears some will be feeling anxious or frightened to return after months of home schooling due to the coronavirus lockdown.

Bryony Baynes, head teacher from Kempsey Primary School, said the government guidance “has been very fuzzy” on whether pupils and teachers will have to isolate if a class peer or teacher tests positive for coronavirus.

She said: “My understanding is that we do not have to isolate everyone unless there is a confirmed case and then it would only be those who have been in direct contact. We are operating a system of bubbles comprised of class groups and year groups so that we can comply with Track and Trace should we have a case.”

Mrs Baynes added: “The guidance is very clear that pupils need to be in school. Our Trust’s stance is that we will strongly encourage pupils to return to school and will work closely with parents who are anxious or reluctant to send their children back.

“However, ultimately, if children do not return and there is no good reason then we would have to look at escalating the case – but that would not be a preferred option nor a step that we quickly or easily take, nor does it automatically mean we will escalate to fines.”

She added that tests will only be done when symptoms show. She said she feels strongly that teachers should be offered regular tests, adding: “It would make life much easier. But, at the moment, there is no capacity for that.”

Kate Brunt, CEO of The Rivers CE Academy Trust, said the schools are ready to open their doors on September 2.

She said: “Some of our reception children will come to school in a staggered manner in order to ensure a smooth transition. Our teachers have posted what the classrooms will look like on the schools’ websites for the benefit of both pupils and parents.

“All our schools are returning in bubbles, which has been explained to the parents and pupils via letters and emails. We will follow Government guidance in respect to symptoms/cases that come to light and this information has been shared with parents and staff.

“Each of our schools will work with their local community in order to maximise the number of pupils that are able to return to school.

"Prior to the summer holiday, the schools in our trust had a high attendance of those that were eligible to return (over 85 per cent), so we have reason to believe that attendance won’t be a problem.”

County Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member with responsibility for education and skills, said: “We are working very closely with school leaders and other colleagues, including public health to ensure that each school has an individual tailored plan for their wider re-opening, based on their individual circumstances as well as looking forward to the future. We have worked with our schools to complete a risk assessment ahead of them re-opening their doors to all pupils in September to ensure that their plans for re-opening and all aspects of school life meet both government guidance and the individual needs of the staff and students who work there.

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“Schools and colleges will have the discretion to require face coverings for Year 7s and above in communal areas where social distancing cannot be safely managed.

“Schools will work with families where children have not returned in the first instance to understand why and what can be done to bring the child back into school, offer support and ensure access to education.”

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said fining parents should be a “last resort.”

He said: “In terms of fining, we would ask all schools to work with those parents, encourage them to bring their children back, deal with concerns that they have and fining would be very much the last resort, as it has always been.”