Leeds Council responds to 'very challenging' situation as some schools stay closed over Covid fears

Several schools across the city were forced to stay closed today (Monday) due to staff shortages.

A coalition of education unions has warned that bringing all pupils back to class after the Christmas break could fuel the pandemic and put teachers at “serious risk” of falling ill.

They are calling on the Prime Minister to order a “pause” in a return to the classroom until the safety of staff and pupils can be guaranteed.

But Health Secretary Matt Hancock insisted it was safe for primary schools to reopen in all but the worst hit areas and teachers were at no greater risk of contracting Covid-19 than the rest of the population.

Negotiations are ongoing at several schools across the city as schools try to determine whether they will be able to reopen tomorrow.

Beeston Primary School said in a message to parents: "The unions are advising our staff that it is not safe to return to the classroom due to the new COVID-19 strain, however the Government are advising that it is, based on school’s risk assessments, which has been agreed by Leeds City Council.

"As a result, Leeds City Council have asked us to contact our staff members to see if any are following the union’s advice of not returning to work on Tuesday.

"If members of staff follow the advice of their unions then some class bubbles will need to be closed and children will be required to access remote learning at home for the next two weeks.

"As you’ll appreciate this is very last-minute advice and our senior staff members have been working today to put plans in place as quickly and as efficiently as possible.

"At this moment in time, we do not know if any of our classes will be affected, but we will update you by tomorrow afternoon once we have gathered more information."

Every Red Kite Learning Trust school was forced to take a last minute training day today, but a text sent to parents at Austhorpe Primary this morning said the school would be open tomorrow (Tuesday).

Saleem Tariq, Director of Children and Families at Leeds City Council said: “The Department for Education’s expectation in Leeds is that no primary schools are expected to close as the region remains in Tier 3 restrictions.

“We are supporting schools to continue to operate in cases where staff have chosen not to come into the workplace.

"In cases where a school is unable to remain open to all children due to a high number of staff choosing not to attend, we are asking that they remain open to children of key workers and to vulnerable children, where possible.

“Teaching staff who choose not to attend school are expected to deliver remote learning to pupils.

“This is clearly an evolving situation which is very challenging for schools and their staff, and will continue to support them wherever possible.”