Union calls for caution over Doncaster schools return with infections above national average

Teaching union leaders are warning Doncaster is above the national coronavirus infection rate and should remain cautions about re-opening the schools.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed last night that he wanted to see schools fully re-open on March 8, which would be more than two months since they closed to most pupils at the start of the coronvirus lockdown in January.

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Fiona Campbell, branch and district Secretary fot the teachers union NEU in Doncaster, warned schools should not re-open until it was safe.

Year three children pictured Reading. Picture: NDFP-26-01-21-OutwoodWoodlands 8-NMSYYear three children pictured Reading. Picture: NDFP-26-01-21-OutwoodWoodlands 8-NMSY
Year three children pictured Reading. Picture: NDFP-26-01-21-OutwoodWoodlands 8-NMSY
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She said: “We urge continued caution and consideration for local risks.

"Schools must only reopen when safe to do so, and with appropriate measures in place to keep our schools and communities safe.

"Doncaster remains significantly above the national average infection rate and if the return to school is rushed, this risks undoing all the hard work that's taken place to reduce infections in Doncaster.

"We don't want to see outbreaks in schools as a result of a rushed return and every school will have to consider the safety of pupils, staff and the wider communities they serve. We fervently hope the Prime Minister will too.”

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Speaking before the union’s comments, Adam Atkinson, principal at Astrea Academy Woodfields, in Balby said: "I very much welcome news that schools will be re-opening on March 8.

“Supported by the wider Astrea Academy Trust team, my staff has worked incredibly hard to provide high quality remote learning for all students since January and I am really proud of what we have been able to offer at Astrea Academy Woodfields.

"However, no virtual experience can replace the benefits of face-to-face teaching and I agree with the widely-held view that school is the best place for our young people.

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"As has been the case throughout the pandemic, the welfare of staff and students is paramount and we will do everything we can to make school safe. We will be using the next two weeks to fine tune our plans, so that students can hit the ground running as soon as they return - and that those who need additional help receive it. We will do everything possible to ensure Woodfields pupils are supported to get back on track."

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.