Calderdale Council emphasise 'caution' as pupils finish second day back

Children in the recommended age groups can return to Calderdale schools as it is currently safe enough in the borough to do so, advises the council.
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Some confusion seemed to be sown last week when Calderdale Council, which had previously advised it was not safe for more children in certain age groups to return to school, could now do so.

Government, which had wanted all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 to return on June 1, indicated they need not now do so.

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At the heart of the council's policy is whether the Government's five tests to keep the risk of catching COVID-19 minimised can be met, said Calderdale Council's Cabinet member for Children and Young People's Services, Coun Adam Wilkinson (Lab, Sowerby Bridge).

Calderdale Council emphasise 'caution' as pupils finish second day backCalderdale Council emphasise 'caution' as pupils finish second day back
Calderdale Council emphasise 'caution' as pupils finish second day back

In effect the council and Government's position on children returning to school had moved closer together, recognising the situation was a changeable one, depending on the pandemic situation in any one area at any one time, he said.

Coun Wilkinson said the council issued its updated guidance to Calderdale schools after the Government’s announcement on June 9 and took the Government statement, of which it did not have prior knowledge, into consideration.

The statement by Secretary of State for Eucation Gavin Williamson did not contradict the council's new guidance because this week the five tests were met in Calderdale for the first time, explained Coun Wilkinson.

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"The council’s position on schools is that we are supporting them to cautiously open more widely from June 15 if they feel confident to do so – as long they have everything in place, including strong risk assessments, to enable pupils and staff to return safely.

Calderdale Council emphasise 'caution' as pupils finish second day backCalderdale Council emphasise 'caution' as pupils finish second day back
Calderdale Council emphasise 'caution' as pupils finish second day back

"We will guide schools through this process if they are ready to open more widely, but it is up to each school to decide whether or not to extend their opening.

"We continue to base our approach on scientific evidence.

"On that basis, we have updated our advice to schools because we believe it is likely that the Government’s five tests are being met in Calderdale," he said.

Coun Wilkinson said the situation was assessed weekly and advice could change again if the tests were not being met, for example if there was an outbreak of COVID-19 anywhere in Calderdale.

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"I must emphasise that the approach remains cautious and the priority is always to keep everyone safe.

"We will continue to regularly monitor and review the situation as the pandemic develops, and if anything changes we’ll be ready to adapt," he said.

Secondary schools in Calderdale are continuing to prepare to welcome more Year 10 and 12 pupils back, in line with the Government's guidelines.

Throughout the pandemic Calderdale schools, and Calderdale College, have been open for children of key workers and vulnerable children to attend.