The DfE has released a statement with details on phased wider opening of schools, colleges and nurseries from 1 June 2020, following the Prime Minister’s announcement on 11 May. It has published new guidance for actions which educational and childcare settings need to follow to prepare for this potential wider opening. It has also published new guidance for education settings on implementing protective measures as they prepare to open for more young people. New guidance has also been provided for parents/carers regarding the new information about wider opening of schools and colleges and a separate planning guide for primary schools here. The general coronavirus guidance for educational settings has also been updated, which will be reviewed again before 1 June. This article focuses on the part of the guidance which has given college leaders flexibility over which learners can be invited back onsite from June.
The Children’s Commissioner has called for the government and teaching unions to work constructively together to get children back in the classroom as quickly as possible following controversy and opposition from some quarters to the news about the wider reopening of schools from 1 June.