“Following discussions I have had with John Henderson, the Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council, and Cllr Philip Atkins, the Leader of the County Council, I am even more convinced than ever that while primary schools should make every effort to open for Reception, and years 1 and 6, that should be the decision for each individual school as to whether it is safe to do so” says Michael Fabricant.

“The key is safety for the children first and foremost, for the adults working at the school and for parents.  The County is providing advice when sought, but social distancing will be the key.  To a large extent that will depend on the layout of the school:  clearly, this will be easier in schools with spacious modern classrooms than in some old, Victorian built schools.  But with years 2,3,4, and 5 not being asked to return yet – around half of each school’s students – this will help in ensuring a 2 metre separation can be maintained.

“The headteacher and school governors will be aware of the urgent need for schools to open before too long and it is they who must make that judgement” Michael adds.