Clarity needed on how Boris will decide to re-open schools

Education union NEU has written to the Prime Minister Boris Johnson asking for "modelling, evidence and plans" that will form the basis of any decisions to reopen schools.

The letter says: "Our members are disturbed by increasing media speculation that schools will soon be re-opened. We consider this speculation to be most unhelpful: it may undermine people’s resolve to stick to social isolation. We are disturbed that it is seemingly being stimulated by unnamed Government ministers.

"Given that an early return to full school populations will mean an increased risk to our members and the children in their care, we are writing to ask you to share your modelling, evidence and plans."

The NEU wants the government to share with its members modelling of the increased number of cases and mortalities among children, their parents, carers and extended families, and their teachers and support staff, as a result of the re-opening of schools.

They also want to know whether such modelling is based on some notion that social distancing could be implemented in schools and whether the modelling would be based on concrete plans to establish regular testing of children and staff, availability of appropriate PPE and enhanced levels of cleaning.

The letter also calls for the "firmest of indications" on whether they are developing plans for extensive testing, contact tracing and quarantine in society as a whole.

Read the whole letter here.