Parents from across Leeds are refusing to send their children back to school until it is safe.
A number of pupils from Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 returned to the classroom this week after the government encouraged primary schools to reopen from June 1.
However, a campaign group has been set up by parents from across the city who say that they will not be sending their children back to school until they receive more reassurances that they will remain safe. Around 100 parents have so far signed up.
Leeds Parents For Safe Return are hosting an online meeting today (Tuesday) to share their concerns and ask questions.
The event is being supported by Leeds East MP Richard Burgon, teachers and John Puntis, a public health expert.
Sarah Allison, a parent who is part of the campaigning group, she said: “The virus is still very much here.
“Of course we want the children back to school but only when it’s safe.
“It’s important to know that there are parts of the community which have been disproportionately affected by the virus such as the black and ethnic minority (BAME), the vulnerable and inner-city areas.
“The learning environment is so different now, it’s not what the children are used to.
“There’s a conversation that talks about children not getting the virus badly or having a very little chance of getting it - but little has been proven.
“In Leeds, we have seen a little girl Charlotte has had the virus. She overcame it but then got Kawasaki disease. Her stepfather is part of our group.”
Leeds City Council has said that schools can choose to remain closed for the time being, until more advice and guidance is published by the government.
The National Education Union (NEU), which is supported by 400,000 staff and parents, do not believe it is safe for children to return to school and say the government need to pass five tests before it is considered safe.
The five tests are:
Much lower numbers of Covid-19 tests.
A national plan for social distancing.
Comprehensive access to regular testing for children and staff to ensure schools and colleges don’t become hot spots for Covid-19.
Protocols to be put in place to test a whole school or college when a case occurs and for isolation to be strictly followed.
Protection for the vulnerable.
Sarah added: “Some parents have been undecided about sending their children back to school until today and some of us have been very clear about how we feel.
“We don’t want to come across as not supporting the headteachers, teachers or schools, they are the union.
“The government's own scientific advisors have stated that it is not yet safe to reopen schools. Many councils are refusing to today for that reason and a broader reopening of schools is not supported by the National Education Union.”
You can find out more about the event by visiting the Facebook page.
