Schools ask Southend Council to shut roads for pick-up times

Southend Council is “working closely” with schools after some raised concerns about parents not social distancing when collecting their children.

It comes after schools such as Grove Wood Primary School, in Rayleigh, and Lee Chapel Primary School, in Basildon, asked parents to wear masks during pick up times.

Anne Jones, councillor responsible for children and learning, said: “Some schools, following concerns about parents not social distancing, have contacted us about road closures outside the school building for a short period during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times.

“We are looking into traffic flow management possibilities and are working closely with the schools.

“As we have said, each school is carrying out risk assessments and regularly reassessing the provisions and guidance they have in place in order to keep the children, staff, parents and the wider community safe.

“But we also need parents to play their part and follow the national guidance of hands, face and space.

“From one parent to another, I urge you - please wear a face mask during the school run, keep space from others and wash hands as soon as you return home.

“We need to set a good example to our children on how to follow guidance to keep everyone safe.”

Ruth Brock, chief executive officer of the Southend East Community Academy Trust, which runs five primary schools across the borough, said the trust is concerned about the road outside Richmond Avenue Primary School.

She said: “Richmond Avenue Primary and Nursery School have been in contact with the local authority over concerns about the road itself because of limited entrances and exits to the school.

“There are some 300 parents standing outside of the school from 2.50pm and the road and pavement are just not wide enough. This situation has been exacerbated by the current Covid pandemic because we must ensure that each child is securely collected by their parent or carer.”