Portsmouth education leaders support message that schools are to remain closed

During Sunday’s daily coronavirus press briefing, education secretary, Gavin Williamson, responded to press reports by confirming that schools will not reopen until until the government’s five point test is met.

Mr Williamson said: ‘Of course I want nothing more than to see schools back, to get them back to normal, to make sure children are sat around learning and experiencing the joy of learning at school. But I cant give you a date. The first priority has always been protecting children and young people, but particularly vulnerable people.’

National Education Union president, Amanda Martin, has backed Mr Williamson and said schools ‘can only open when it is safe to do so’.

Ms Martin said: ‘I think the safety of pupils and teachers is paramount. Social distancing is very difficult in schools and children and teachers must only return when the science says it is safe.’

The city’s cabinet member for education, Suzy Horton, also backed the message.

‘It is the right message. We must think about the safety of teachers and children. I’m also glad to see he thanked all staff currently working in schools,’ she said.

The five point test to ease social distancing includes ensuring the NHS can cope, avoiding a second peak, sustained fall in death and infection rates and ensuring there is sufficient personal protective equipment and testing.

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