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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Lottie Gibbons

Liverpool parents divided on whether to shut schools or keep them open

The question over whether to shut schools or keep them open have divided parents across Liverpool.

The government is facing increasing pressure from teaching unions to delay the reopening of all schools in England amid fears over the spread of the new strain of Covid-19.

The National Education Union (NEU) said all primary and secondary schools should remain closed for two weeks following the Christmas break, while the NASUWT has written to the Education Secretary calling for an "immediate nationwide move to remote education" for all pupils.

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The NEU has also advised primary school staff it is unsafe to return to classrooms on Monday.

On Friday, Gavin Williamson confirmed that all London primary schools will remain shut next week - rather than just those in certain boroughs as set out earlier in the week.

But some parents in Liverpool believe schools should close across England, while others disagree.

Should kids go back to school? (WalesOnline/Rob Browne)

Asked on the ECHO's Facebook page if pupils should return to school on Monday, Taylor Lorraine said: "No no no!!! We need an end to this madness! We need a few weeks of no one mixing."

Pete North wrote: "No. If we couldn't mix households over Christmas how the heck can it be safe to mix at least 30 households together a week later."

Laura Cayzer said: "Education is important for our children. Especially us with special needs children whose kids need routine and structure.

"Class bubbles have already been put into place and my kids are happier and more content going to school and nursery than they were about not going during the original lockdown."

Jen Harrison said: "No, mine haven't been since March and won't be going back until I feel they should."

Mike Last wrote: "Personally I would close all schools, colleges and universities - saving lives and reducing the current number of infections must be a priority."

Becca Williams said: "Definitely, my girl has already dropped a school year due to missing so much school, this is not fair on children they need their education!!!!"

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Joanna Haigh commented: "Yes, they need to see friends and learn."

Andrea Maria Millet said: "Yes, mine will be going back as I have to go to work."

And Ann Roper wrote: "No, keep them closed until things start to slow down and more people been vaccinated."

The school row comes after figures showed a further 53,285 lab-confirmed cases of coronavirus in the UK as of 9am on Friday, with another 613 deaths within 28 days of a positive test.

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