Council helps Worksop institutions with phased return-to-school plans

Nottinghamshire County Council is working to ensure that there is a joined-up approach to any phased return-to-school plans as far as possible.

Councillor Philip Owen, chairman of the council’s children and young people’s committee, said: “The intention is that, if and when it is safe to do so and if the government’s conditions are met, schools should extend their offer to welcome specific year groups back from no earlier than June 1.

“Headteachers and school leaders are best placed to make a judgement about what this means for their schools, as they know their buildings, staff, families and children best.

“They are currently undertaking risk assessments to develop a plan that is manageable, practical and safe for pupils, their families and staff. Only then will they consider opening their schools to a wider group of children.

“This means that each school plan will be unique to that setting and will change over time.

“Parents will not be penalised if their child does not attend school.

“We expect schools and other relevant partners to work with and support the relevant families and pupils to return to school.

“Under the Coronavirus Act 2020, the government has relaxed the law, so that the parents of a child of compulsory school age are not guilty of an offence on account of the child’s failure to attend school regularly.”