COVID-19: Secondary school students could have staggered return to classroom in January
There have been reports that pupils could be delayed going back to school in the new year, as ministers discuss options.
Thursday 17 December 2020 13:54, UK
Secondary schools in England could see a phased return to classrooms in January, after discussions were held over getting pupils back safely.
Education Secretary Gavin Williams will give a written statement to the Commons later, outlining the plan to get students back into classrooms in January.
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Susan Acland-Hood, permanent secretary at the Department for Education (DfE), has earlier told the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the DfE did not have "any plans to lengthen the Christmas holiday".
But she added: "There are conversations going on about exactly how parents and pupils will go back at the beginning of January, but I'm afraid I can't speak to the committee about that this morning."
She refused to comment on whether a staggered return to classrooms is under discussion.
Chairwoman of the PAC, Meg Hillier, said it was "ludicrous" that in the final days of term, many parents and headteachers did not know what would be happening when schools return in a few weeks.
She added: "It's not just difficult Ms Acland-Hood, it's impossible.
"I mean if a school is breaking up tomorrow and that means pupils and teachers and other staff will not be in the school next week how are they expected to plan for any changes in January?"
Ms Acland-Hood said: "I cannot communicate a decision that has just not yet been made or communicated by ministers."
"If a change were to be made I think we would need to communicate it today."
Earlier in the week, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson ordered , in southeast London, to remain open for the final week of term, after the local council said it would switch to remote learning.
Councillors in London's Waltham Forest and Islington boroughs were given similar advice from the minister, when they also suggested a move to online learning.
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Ms Hillier said parents in London have had "very confused messages" from the government and local authorities over school openings.
She said: "So it's just a complete dog's breakfast out there. Parents don't know from day to day whether their child is going to be in school partly because of COVID but then this layered on top is unacceptable surely?"
From January, rapid testing will be available at all secondary schools after government figures showed that the proportion of children in state schools in England fell last week.