Safety concerns over number of pupils still attending Doncaster schools

Officials believe in some borough schools, most pupils would potentially be eligible to attend lessons and fear numbers attending may not be safe.

Jim Board, Doncaster branch secretary of Unison, representing school support staff, believes Government guidelines could potentially allow 90 per cent of pupils to attend some borough schools.

He said: “There are some schools where there are more school attendees than we believe to be safe. We are having discussions with schools and local authorities.

"There are lots of schools though where they are managing it better.”

He said staff who did not feel safe could still use letters issued by unions which tell heads they will not work under section 44 of the employment rights act, which covers safety at work.

Fiona Campbell, Doncaster branch secretary of education union NEU, said there was significant concern.

She said: “In Doncaster, heads are walking a fine line between unclear and unhelpful Government guidance and keeping everyone in school safe.

"The expanding of the criteria means many more children might qualify for a place than in the first lockdown, placing enormous pressures on school capacity, particularly where staffing might be a concern anyway. The NEU is continuing to meet with the LA (local authority) and heads, and we know the majority of schools are trying to do the right thing for Doncaster children and their own staff.

“Government guidance is clear that parents and carers should keep their children at home if they can and we think that's the right thing to do where possible - we encourage everyone to Do It For Doncaster.”

A DfE spokesperson said: “If critical workers can work from home and look after their children at the same time then they should do so.

“Otherwise, schools are open to the children of critical workers. We expect schools to work with families to ensure all critical worker children are given access to a place if this is required, to enable them to provide vital services. We encourage all vulnerable children to attend.”

They added protective measures schools followed through autumn remained to help protect staff and students, while the national lockdown helped reduce transmission in the wider community.

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