It is important that schools have the local flexibility to take decisions about reopening – in consultation with their councils

Chair of the Local Government Association’s (@LGAcomms) Children and Young People Board comments on the issue of schools reopening next week

On the issue of schools reopening next week, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, which represents councils across England, said:

“Keeping schools and early years settings open for the wellbeing and education of children and young people is hugely important, for those children’s life chances and for working parents.

“However, councils know many parents and teachers across the country are anxious about schools and early years settings opening next week amid rising infections rates.

“The safety of staff, parents and families has always been absolutely paramount and councils have been working hard with schools throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure they can remain open as safely as possible.

“It is important that schools have the local flexibility to take decisions about reopening – in consultation with their councils – based on the latest public health advice and data. This is vital to reassure parents and carers that it is safe for their schools to reopen.”