Stephen has written to the Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, urging the Government to ensure schools are safe for staff and pupils – and their families – by the time they re-open, with the necessary protective measures.
The Government has said it wants some pupils in England to return to their classrooms on June the first, but teaching unions are concerned about the spread of Covid 19, if that happens. Ministers have said that primary pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 should go back initially and have criticised unions for their approach.
In his letter, Stephen urges the Government to ensure that scientific evidence and expert opinion have confirmed schools’ safety by the time they reopen.
Speaking about the letter, Stephen said “…the closure of schools has been very difficult for many families in East Ham. I especially sympathise with parents who are struggling to work and home school their children, and I want schools to re-open as soon as possible. However, we cannot risk another surge in Covid-19 cases, so the Government must ensure adequate safety measures are in place first.”
