Mixed views in Derbyshire about schools fully reopening as Boris Johnson announces easing of lockdown

Mixed views have been expressed in Derbyshire about schools fully reopening next month.
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Unveiling his plans to ease the coronavirus lockdown, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told the House of Commons on Monday that all schools in England will reopen to all pupils from March 8.

Mr Johnson – who will address the nation in a press confence at 7pm on Monday – said: “Our priority has always been getting children back into school which we know is crucial for their education as well as their mental and physical well-being.

All schools in England will reopen next month. Picture by Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images.All schools in England will reopen next month. Picture by Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images.
All schools in England will reopen next month. Picture by Martin Bureau/AFP via Getty Images.
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“Two weeks from today, pupils and students in all schools and further education settings can safely return to face-to-face teaching.”

Parent Javier Rubio, of Chesterfield, said he had a ‘mix of feelings’ about the news.

He added: “I’m happy for pupils because they need to go back to school – too much education has been lost.

“At the same time I’m still worried about the virus.”

Marcia Bigg said her son, a pupil of The Bolsover School, would receive testing twice a week.

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She added: “With all the other precautions they already had in place, I’m very happy that my son will be able to go back to school.”

Mr Johnson told the House of Commons that the return of students would be supported by twice-weekly testing of secondary school and college pupils.

Councillor Ross Shipman, leader of the Liberal Democrats on North East Derbyshire District Council, said parents, staff and unions were concerned about schools fully reopening.

He added: “Children still will struggle to social distance and we know schools are breeding grounds for illnesses even at the best of times.”

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A spokesperson for the National Education Union voiced concerns about another spike in coronavirus infections.

They said: “We are committed to bringing all children and young people back into the classroom as soon as possible.

“However, it is counterproductive if there is a danger of causing another surge in the virus, and the potential for a further period of lockdown.

“Wider opening must be safe and sustainable.”

Most pupils have been learning from home since December under the third nationwide lockdown.

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