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Further Statement on Schools
Councillor Imran Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said:
“On 19 May, I issued a statement on the opening of schools, this is a fast moving situation though and the scientific advice and Government stance on the issue is shifting daily, indeed hourly today. The Council is continuing to work closely with head teachers across all school sectors in our district to ensure they have properly considered the health and safety risks to pupils and staff should they follow government guidance and reopen on 1 June.
“The overwhelming view of school leaders is that 1 June is too soon to open. Of course many schools are already open for children of key workers and for vulnerable children but those are in much smaller numbers. Increasing the numbers of children using schools means that the health and safety risk assessments change. We’ve said from the outset that we have no intention of forcing schools to open on 1 June and we won’t.
“What we will do, however, is continue to work with schools to support them in preparation for opening. Most schools have indicated that the earliest they would consider reopening would be from the 8 June. The Council believes that the current advice and scientific evidence from public health means that not all of the five tests set out by government for reopening have currently been met in order for all schools to go back on 1 June. We will keep this under review.
“We are acutely conscious that children need to go to school and their life chances are diminished when they don’t. We are therefore working with head teachers and the Department for Education to make sure that schools will provide enhanced learning opportunities for all children and childcare support for vulnerable children and those of essential workers.
“We still want schools to open as soon as it is practicable and safe to do. We know that the decision to open is about balancing risk: the risk of infection from the virus, against the risks of children missing valuable education, the risk of isolation, and the risk to some of our vulnerable children.
“In Bradford, as nationally, the scientific evidence is continually changing along with methods of testing and tracking. We will continue to monitor that evidence and work with head teachers as they undertake the planning and preparation for their schools to re-open as soon as they can.”
Do you need help or support?
If you need help or have a particular need please ring and talk to one of our friendly team who will take some details and pass them onto the relevant service. Call 01274 431000.
We can help by:
- picking up shopping
- delivering a food parcel to eligible people
- ringing for a friendly chat
- problem solving
See our website for more information about local support and volunteering to help others.
Are you concerned about someone's safety?
If you have a concern about the safety of a child or a vulnerable adult, do not keep it to yourself. Report your concern on the Safer Bradford website. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year.
Or call:
- For children 01274 435600 (01274 431010 out of office hours)
- For adults 01274 431077 (01274 431010 out of office hours)
- If someone is at immediate risk of harm call 999
Don’t think, “What if I’m wrong?”. Think, “What if I’m right!”
Stay at home as much as possible
- Work from home if you can
- Avoid public transport if possible
- Local parks and green spaces are available for your daily outdoor exercise
- Always keep your distance in public (at least 2 metres apart)
- Wash your hands regularly
- If you or anyone in your household has coronavirus symptoms, you must all self-isolate
See the latest Government guidance on staying alert and safe.
Stay safe while out for exercise
Please follow the Government’s advice when leaving your home for exercise and observe the 2 metre rule for staying a safe distance apart. For more information about where you can walk in the Bradford district, and how to stay safe while you do so, visit our public green space and rights of way guidance page.
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service
Use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service if:
- you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home
- your condition gets worse
- your symptoms do not get better after 7 days
Only call 111 if you cannot get help online.
Helpful links
UK Government guidance and support
NHS coronavirus advice and information
Bradford district coronavirus advice and information
Support for local businesses
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