Schools shouldn't fully reopen until another lockdown is ruled out says union
NASUWT: The Teachers' Union is urging the Government not to rush the full return to school in England
The union's regional organiser for the East of England thinks the full reopening of schools should be delayed until it is certain there won't be another lockdown.
Wales and Scotland will begin a phased return for their youngest pupils from next Monday (22 February), but Boris Johnson is hoping to start reopening English schools from 8 March.
The date will be dependent on data showing a drop in cases and infection rates.
Keith Anderson, from NASUWT: The Teachers' Union, is hoping the Government will make their decision based on the latest information.
He said: "Until we've seen all the scientific evidence and demonstrate we've had a significant reduction in the R rate, we need to very cautious.
"This should be the last lockdown we have.
"We shouldn't continuously be in this situation of locking down, easing off, and locking down again. Let's just pause, reflect, make sure everything is in place, and that we are confident this will be the last time that we need to do this."
NASUWT: The Teachers' Union has been calling for teachers and support staff across the country to be prioritised for the coronavirus vaccination, which it says will help support the safe return of all pupils.
Keith added: "If we get them vaccinated then they will be less vulnerable, we can ensure they do go back into school and they will remain safe and hopefully not get seriously ill.
"We have had members that have died due to the pandemic."
The Prime Minister is expected to announce a "roadmap" on how lockdown restrictions will be lifted for England on Monday (22 February).