Government announces delays to secondary school return because of surging coronavirus
The Government has announced secondary school pupils in Islington will return to schools and colleges later than planned because of surging coronavirus infections.
Today’s (Wednesday 30th December) announcement means:
- Secondary school and college students in exam years will return to school in the week of Monday 11th January, a week later than planned
- Secondary school and college students not in exam years will return to school in the week of Monday 18th January, a week later than planned
Secondary schools and colleges are due to be open to vulnerable children or the children of key workers from Monday 4th January.
The Government has announced that primary school pupils in Islington should return to school in the week of Monday 4th January.
Cllr Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, said: “Coronavirus continues to spread fast in Islington and across London, and the more the virus spreads in our communities, the more serious illness and death we will see. Islington has a deeply concerning rise in coronavirus cases, especially in infections in the over-60s, which have recently more than doubled.
“It’s right that secondary schools will reopen later in January to help tackle this deadly disease. We will continue to do everything we can to support Islington’s incredible head teachers, teachers, teaching assistants and support staff at this very challenging time. We are now seeking urgent clarification from the Government about why Islington’s primary schools are to reopen in the week of January 4th, while those in many other London boroughs will not reopen.
“It is deeply frustrating that the Government has made this announcement at the last minute, just days before the start of term, weeks after it was clear coronavirus cases were surging in London. It also comes just two weeks after the Government threatened schools with legal action after some councils, including Islington, advised schools to delay reopening after January, following public health advice over surging coronavirus cases.
“It’s vital that everything is done to urgently tackle the surging coronavirus cases, to keep everyone in our community safe at this dangerous time.”
Notes to editors
We can all help stop the virus spreading, and protect our loved ones.
We all need to stay at home as much as possible to help stop the virus spreading. Wherever we can, we must avoid crowded places.
We must not meet other people indoors, unless we live with them or they are part of our existing support bubble.
London is in Tier 4: Stay at Home. For full guidance see gov.uk
- Make space – stay 2 metres apart from people who aren’t in your household or bubble - this helps stop the virus spreading between people
- Wash your hands - regularly and for at least 20 seconds, especially when you get home– this washes virus off your hands and helps stop it spreading
- Wear a face covering over your nose and mouth to stop the virus spreading - in public places, including in shops or public transport
Know the symptoms of Covid-19 - a high temperature, or a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste and get tested if you have any of the three symptoms
Testing is quick, easy and free – Islington has two testing sites for people with any of the symptoms, which the council made sure were opened to help our residents. Getting a test is free and simple – nhs,uk/coronavirus or call 119
We can support you if you have to self-isolate: phone We Are Islington on 020 7527 8222 to find out more – help with emergency food deliveries, shopping, financial support, benefits.
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.