Leeds parents divided over prospect of months more school closures

Some parents have expressed serious concerns about kids missing their education, while others worry classrooms won't be Covid-safe and that home schooling for longer is the best option.

Schools could still be closed by the end of spring, it was revealed, as comments made by Education Secretary Gavin Williamson about a return to classrooms by Easter were met with caution by the Health Secretary.

The Sunday Times said Education Secretary Gavin Williamson was expected to rule out a return to the classroom after the February half-term break and would prepare parents for a prolonged period of home-schooling ahead.

As recently as Thursday, Mr Williamson said that he hoped schools would be able to reopen before Easter, although Downing Street pointedly declined to endorse his comments.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock stopped short of confirming that, adding that while he hoped schools in England could reopen by Easter, it would depend on the levels of infection in the community at that time.

Leeds residents and parents were split on the issue of when schools should reopen.

Martin Garrity said: "Martin Garrity If teachers are vaccinated and the high risk groups are vaccinated and the NHS starts to recover then schools must reopen - you are destroying a whole generation of kids that aren’t lucky enough to have a private education."

Adele Louise Hughes said: "I’m not happy about it, my daughter is in year 11 her GCSEs scrapped, she’s not done any mocks. Wots the point of her going back in April, nothing to aim for. Schools are closed but yet still lots of infection rates. It’s not the schools fault get them back in. My daughter hasn’t done a full school year since Year 9.

Louise Woodhouse added: "If this is the case then government need to seriously start thinking about repeating a school year, if not for all pupils then at least those who need it."

Kirsty Wojcik said: "I am worried for my daughter's education.. I understand its what has to be done but it doesn't stop me panicking about it! There is only so much I can do with a one-year-old running round as well."

Christian I'Anson said: "As a teacher and a parent I am appalled by prolonged school closures. Children need the specialist teaching and socialisation to thrive. #UsForThem"

Polly Northy added: "Disgusting, the poor kids have missed a whole year of education and basic life skills gained from interacting with with other children, I feel so sorry for them and for the pressure and stress a lot of the parents are going through struggling to homeschool their children that are all in different year groups and learning totally different things."

Nicola Ansbro said: "Sorry but I'm not a teacher, children need to be in school spending six hours a day in front of a computer screen is not ideal, not to think about their mental state."

But Kelly Sims said: "I find this article is scaremongering, the fact is the government are not committing to a date yet which is the right thing to do how can they? If they commit to something and can’t deliver so they don’t commit and then stories are fabricated. Let’s just wait and see rather than adding more pressure to parents who are under incredible pressure as it is!"

Gillian Barker added: "Not ideal but not an issue as schools are providing an excellent home schooling package for my son. I do worry about the social side of school and the fact that our poor kids aren't gaining that life experience often regarded as the best years of your life but safety is paramount and if it is needed to get this virus under control so be it.

"I just hope for those whose exams it affects; a fair and consistent approach is found that does reflect their level of achievement based on their work done."

Jules Jayteejay said: "I'm happy to do what it takes to keep my family safe. If that means home schooling, then so be it. As a bonus, I don't mind having less travel in snow and ice and more time to spend with my children. Life skills are important too and with the aid of good websites home schooling has never been easier or more fun."

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