A TEACHING union has hit out at Government plans to re-open primary schools as early as June 1, insisting there is no scientific evidence supporting a move to send children and staff back to the classroom.

Jerry Glazier, secretary of the Essex branch of the National Education Union, said it was too early to re-open schools following the coronavirus outbreak.

It comes as the Government announced plans to re-open primary schools after half-term in June.

Among the guidance issued to schools is a wish for class sizes being limited to 15 pupils, spacing desks as far apart as possible and staggering lunch and break times, as well as drop-off and pick-up times, to reduce the number of pupils moving around.

But union secretary Mr Glazier said: “We are are concerned about the basis the Government is justifying looking to partially re-open schools.

“We think it’s too early and do not believe the science is there to show the rates of infection or deaths have fallen enough to make it safe to open schools.

“The union wants schools to re-open but we have got to do so with social distancing and safety.

“We must ensure the safety of the children, school staff and families is at the core of the decision to re-open our schools.”

Mr Glazier also called for “independently verified evidence” to show the rates of infection are low enough to make it safe for the children to return to school.

He added: “We do not want to see the schools contributing to the infection rate and put at risk all the work done so far with social distancing and people staying at home.

“We agree with the British Medical Association that the Government’s plan is too fast, confusing and risky.”

Mr Glazier said the union does not agree with claims that children are not spreaders of the coronavirus.

He said there is a lot of anxiety among members of the union and the teaching profession.

Mr Glazier added parents need to be feel secure that schools will be safe.

Yesterday, the Echo reported how parents in south Essex are concerned about sending their children back to school with 75 per cent of readers answering “no” as to whether they would be happy to send their child back after half-term in June.

In the Echo poll, 629 readers voted, with just 159 answering “yes” and 470 saying “no”.

The advice issued to schools also suggests nurseries and schools should remove soft furnishings and toys which are hard to clean.

Council’s pledge: ‘We’ll find a safe path for kids’

COUNCIL bosses have pledged to find a safe way to allow some year groups to return to school as soon as June 1.

Anne Jones, Southend councillor for children and learning, said: “The way our school community has pulled together so far has been incredible and we thank everyone who has enabled schools to remain open so far.

“We have been working closely with all our schools in anticipation of the guidance issued by the Department of Education around safely reopening schools. 
“The safety, wellbeing and health of staff and pupils will be paramount and our joint key priority as we work towards implementing the new Government guidance.”

Earlier this week, the Government announced how it expects school children to be able to return to nurseries and childcare settings, and for Reception, Year One and Year Six pupils to be back in school, from June 1 at the earliest.

The plan has been met with concern from many parents, with more than 440,000 people signing a petition urging the Government to give parents a choice over sending their children back to school if they reopen.