Here's why Scarborough teachers are surprised at plans to re-open schools: 'This is not what we expected'

Chairperson of Scarborough Heads Forum, Jenny Hartley, said while teachers across the area have been preparing for Year 6 students to return soon, many had not expected to be having the youngest pupils back as well.

“We always hoped that we would see our Year 6 students in school again and had been looking at how we could split them up into different classrooms,” she said.

“But this is not what we expected. It’s taken most of us by surprise that the Government wants to bring the youngest children back first.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last night that if infection levels and the Government’s other tests allow, pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 could return to school from June 1.

Mr Johnson added: "Our ambition is that secondary pupils facing exams next year will get at least some time with their teachers before the holidays."

No mention was made of nurseries or pre-schools.

Only some children of key workers and those classed as vulnerable have been in school since they shut to most on March 20.

Miss Hartley, who is head at Wheatcroft Community Primary School, said she and other teachers across Scarborough are awaiting more information from the Government about the proposals.

She said, in the meantime, she is urging parents to continue with home learning and prioritising staying safe.

“No school in this town will re-open unless they feel they can keep children and their families safe,” she said.

“Families across the area have been working hard to get through what is a very difficult time.

“The resilience that so many families have shown is fantastic.”

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