Here's what St Helens Council has to say about schools reopening

Senior figures within the council have branded the current situation “untenable and unfair to pupils, parents and carers”.

The comments come after all six trade unions representing school staff called on the government to “pause” the reopening and shift to remote learning.

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GMB, NAHT, NASUWT, NEU, UNISON and Unite said schools should remain open only for vulnerable children and children of key workers, adding that staff who continue to work on-site should be given priority access to Covid-19 vaccinations.

On Sunday night, Labour leader Keir Starmer called for an immediate national lockdown, while Boris Johnson said today the government will announce stricter measures “in due course”.

In London, all primary schools remain closed for the start of the new term following government U-turn, with pressure mounting for the same to be applied across the country.

Local authorities have defied the government in some parts of the country, saying they will unilaterally keep their primary schools shut on public health grounds.

St Helens Borough Council has so far remained quiet as the latest political row has unfolded over the weekend, with infection rates rising fast across the region.

In a joint statement released today, Cllr Kate Groucutt, Labour cabinet member for education, skills and business and director of children and young people services, Jim Leivers said: “Throughout the pandemic, school, college and early years staff have shown tremendous dedication and determination in making education settings as safe as possible.

“With several primary schools unable to fully open this week as planned, it is clear that the current situation is untenable and unfair to pupils, parents and carers.

“The decision for a school to close can only be made by the government nationally or in unavoidable circumstances by headteachers and governors.

“The council has no power to force schools to open or close, but we will continue to offer our full support to all schools in any way we can.

“As well as continuing our work of supporting schools with risk assessments and day-to-day site management, we are currently working with schools to roll out staff and pupil testing, initially within secondary school settings. All school staff were also given exclusive access to our drop-in testing sites yesterday.

“What is most important is that all pupils have access to online learning, and that vulnerable pupils and the children of critical workers are able to attend school.  Everyone working within the education system in St Helens is united in trying to minimise the mental health, wellbeing and educational impact on our children and young people.

“We call on the government to prioritise vaccinations for school staff alongside other frontline workers so that staff, pupils and students can get back in the classroom with confidence.”

Cllr Kate Groucutt, Labour cabinet member for education, skills and business

Who is returning this week?

All primary schools will be open from the first day of term.

The start of the school term for secondary and college students will be staggered:

• Week beginning January 4 – secondary schools will be open to children of key/critical workers and vulnerable students. Remote education will be prioritised for Years 11 and 13.
• January 11 – Secondary schools will be open to exam year groups, Years 11 and 13, as well as children of key/critical workers and vulnerable students.
• January 18 – Face to face teaching begins for all students in secondary schools.