School closures extended

Friday 22 May 2020

Schools will remain closed until at least the second week of June, the Education Minister has decided.

Senator Tracey Vallois has extended the closure of schools and colleges, meaning the earliest that they could re-open in a phased process is Monday 8 June.

Government say that this date will be kept under continuous review and that an announcement about the plan for re-opening schools is due next week.

This means that, with the ongoing exception of critical workers’ and other vulnerable children, the majority of Government-provided schools and colleges will remain closed for another week following the half-term break.

Pictured: More details on the schools reopening plan are due next week. (GoJ) 

Alongside this, private early years education, childminders, private nurseries and schools are also being advised to remain closed, with the same exception of providing places to support critical workers’ children and some vulnerable children. 

The Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills (CYPES) say that they are continuing to work with headteachers, trade unions and other parties to develop plans for the eventual phased return to childcare, schools and colleges of all pupils and students.

This planning will be informed by advice from health professionals, as well as taking account of the views of children and young people as gleaned from a recent joint survey by CYPES and the Children’s Commissioner.

Pictured: Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois.

In a statement about her decision, Senator Vallois, said: “I am extremely mindful of the need to provide as much notice as possible to schools, parents and carers about re-opening. I am meeting daily with officials in the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills and they are liaising closely with the trade unions and school leaders to discuss how we can open schools safely. 

“I am hopeful to be in a position to announce further details next week on the plan which, as always, is being driven by advice and evidence from the health specialists.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks and pay tribute to our students, parents and carers for adapting so well to their new learning environments and working so hard during this unsettling and difficult period. And I am so grateful for the professionalism of our headteachers, teachers, support staff, union representatives and everyone who works in education. They are continuing to put children and young people first every day and provide continuity of care and learning to our students and their families.”

The announcement comes as schools continue to make preparations for students' phased return to the classroom.

By lunchtime today - flooring and awning tomorrow. Safe spaces to learn. pic.twitter.com/G0dm1m0kzN

— Beaulieu School (@BeaulieuSchool) May 21, 2020

Beaulieu is among those adapting, with the school opting to set up a large marquee on its lawn as a "safe space" for students to learn while remaining physically distant.

By lunchtime yesterday, the school tweeted that the main structure had been put together. Flooring and awning is due to be added today.