Coronavirus: Warning Portsmouth schools ‘could still close’ if 'very high number' of key workers' children attending classes

Parents classed as key workers, including police, nurses and doctors, have been urged to keep their children at home unless there is ‘no other option’.

The government announced on Wednesday that schools would remain open for children whose parents are classed as key workers.

But Councillor Suzy Horton, Portsmouth City Council cabinet member for education, has said parents have a ‘social responsibility’ to encourage social distancing.

Cllr Horton stressed: ‘If schools have severe staff shortages because the number of children attending is high, they can still close, which is why children should be at home if at all possible.’

Individual schools are producing their own guidance on how they will be managing this process.

Cllr Horton added: ‘To promote social distancing, the aim is to have the minimum number of children spread across the maximum number of schools.’

If schools close, parents should ask the local authority for guidance.

An extensive list of key workers includes those in the NHS, armed forces and emergency services. It also includes employees involved in food processing and distribution, the civil service, religious and charity workers, some journalists and education and social care providers.

The government has now confirmed that even if just one parent falls into one of these categories they have the right to send their children to school or nursery, it has been reported.

Cllr Horton said: ‘The government has said it expects the group to account for around 10 per cent of the population but in Portsmouth if all these key workers send their children to school then we could be facing very high numbers.

‘While the council and schools are working to try and establish what these numbers could potentially be, we probably won’t know until children arrive at school.

‘It’s certainly going to be a challenge and this first week is going to be a litmus test as to potential capacity.’

With many schools having staff who fall into the ‘vulnerable’ category and the potential for a large number of staff to have to self-isolate, Cllr Horton has confirmed some schools may ultimately have to close.

She said: ‘Please remember if children can be cared for at home they should be.

‘School should not be seen as an alternative activity for children.

‘I’ve seen some comments from parents that their child is of secondary age and is old enough to stay at home whilst they are at work.

‘At this time, this would be the right thing to do, if the child is safe and will stay at home.’

Cllr Horton said schools were open to keep key workers on the frontline saving lives, so vulnerable youngsters can be looked after – and to provide food for pupils who need it.

‘I would make a plea to parents to base any decision on these three principles and consider where possible to keep your child at home - people have a social responsibility to promote self-isolation and safe distancing,’ said Cllr Horton.

‘I would also urge all employers, where possible, to be flexible with people working from home to help enable them to look after their children.’

Hampshire County Council confirmed schools will be open for key worker children but have not indicated that these parents should try, where possible, to keep their children at home.

In a statement, Councillor Roz Chadd, executive member for education and skills, said: ‘Hampshire’s headteachers have been magnificent in responding to the impact of the coronavirus issue.

‘To date, they have kept schools open as far as possible and, in line with government guidance, we are expecting all schools to be open for children of key workers, vulnerable children and those in receipt of free school meals. As a local authority, we are doing all we can to support schools, as needed, during what are exceptional circumstances.’