Union says parents and teachers face confusing picture over school closures

Parents and teachers face a "confusing picture" of primary school closures, according to a teaching union, as local authorities call on the Government to delay children returning to classrooms.

More than a dozen schools across Hampshire have confirmed they will be fully or partially closed because of teacher shortages.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he has "no doubt'' that classrooms are safe and parents should send children back to schools in England which remain open.

All of London's primary schools and those in some surrounding areas will not reopen until January 18 due to the fast-spreading variant of Covid-19, with students elsewhere expected to return to classrooms on Monday.

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said it was "very hard to tell'' how many schools would be open for the start of the term.

"Some schools in Tier 4 areas will be open for vulnerable pupils and key worker families and will be providing remote learning for others, yet in other areas also in Tier 4, all pupils will be admitted," he said.

"That's a confusing picture for school leaders and families alike."

The leader of Southampton City Council has confirmed parents will not be fined if they don't send their children to school.

Councillor Christopher Hammond has accused the government of "lacking leadership" and refusing to engage with headteachers and unions.

Hampshire County Council leader, Councillor Keith Mans said: "I am aware that some parents are worried about whether to send their children back into primary schools and I can fully understand these anxieties, with Hampshire currently in Tier 4.

"The competing and growing concerns about whether to open or close schools are clearly evident, and the need to strike a balance between the physical and mental well-being of pupils when they do not attend school and the continued spread of the virus.

"We understand the government’s exceptionally difficult decisions in this regard, which are based on wider ranges of information than these increasing rates."