Buxton school shuts for all apart from vulnerable and key worker children

Governors for Fairfield Endowed Junior School say the school currently does ‘not believe it is safe for teachers or children to be in a class of up to 30 for most of the day’.

However they added that the decision would be reviewed in two weeks’ time.

In an email to parents and carers the school’s chair of governors Caitlin Bisknell wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that we, as Governors of Fairfield Endowed Junior School, have taken the decision to close the school for the next two weeks in the interests of the safety of our children and our staff.

“The school will remain open for both vulnerable children and the children of key workers.”

Meanwhile the school has asked parents to complete a survey allowing teachers to make preparations both for those children returning to school and those learning from home.

As today (Monday) is an inset day key worker and vulnerable children will be returning to the school tomorrow.

Caitlin added: “This will allow them to make preparations for the school to move towards remote teaching for pupils from Tuesday - it will also give time to get equipment and paper copies of work out to pupils.

“We will review the decision in two weeks but currently we do not believe it is safe for teachers or children to be in a class of up to 30 for most of the day.

“This has not been an easy decision for any of us but we do feel it is in the best interests of both your child, children and school staff.”

Most of England's primary schools reopened today - however rows continue over whether pupils should be returning as the UK battles a more transmissible mutation of the virus.

Some head teachers have criticised a ‘confusing picture’ - with some schools staying shut after union safety warnings.

Education unions have called for a pause in reopening schools in joint letter - however the Department for Education said closing should only be a ‘last resort’.

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.