Calderdale Council says return to class is ‘positive’

When the Government asked schools in England to plan for more children returning from June 1, the council advised against it, as it was not confident the Government’s five key tests for safe re-opening were being met.

Since the council made its original decision to remain shut, but developments in testing mean the council is now assured it is likely the five tests are being met in Calderdale, and re-opening is imminent.

Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council, said: “Now we’re in a better position to be able to manage the risk of COVID-19, we’re confident schools can consider opening more widely from 15 June – but only if they feel it’s safe for them to do so.”

Some schools are already finishing a second week of learning after re-opening on June 1.

Halifax’s Akroydon Primary, along with Brighouse’s St Chad’s, which fall under the Multi-Agency Trust (MAT), were part of the first wave of schools in the region to allow more pupils to return to classes since coronavirus (Covid-19) lockdown began on March 23.

The lockdown saw schools close their doors up and down the country, excluding children of key workers and the vulnerable, but as Covid-19 death rate falls the Government stressed the importance to reopen schools.

Director of Primary at Trinity MAT, Emma Hanlon said: “At both St Chad’s Primary Academy and Akroydon Primary Academy, we were delighted to welcome our pupils back into school, in accordance with government guidance.

“Parental appreciation has been overwhelming and pupil attendance is high.”

The council’s Assistant Director for Education and Inclusion, Mark Randall said feedback from those reopening was ‘positive’, and children were ‘excited and enthusiastic and wanted to go back to school’.