Following the government’s request to open schools, on 1 June at the earliest, for children in nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, Bedford Borough Council has been supporting schools in working through what the new proposals could look like.
The majority of Bedford Borough schools and settings have been open for vulnerable children and children of critical workers throughout the government lockdown.
Following the government announcement the Council has been supporting schools as they put in place plans to protect the safety for an increase in the number of pupils and staff
Ultimately, each school is different and the final decision on how they reopen safely will rest with individual schools and their governors, who are informing parents when their plans are finalised.
The Council has advised schools to carry out risk assessments to help them put in place measures to reduce the risk and protect staff and pupils.
Dave Hodgson, Mayor of Bedford said: “The safety of children, and staff, is our top priority. We recognise that each school will need to consider their own specific factors and conditions before reaching a decision about when to invite pupils to return.
“We have advised all schools to produce a risk assessment to ensure the safety of pupils and staff and will give support to schools for whatever well-founded decisions are made.
“We would like to thank all teachers and support staff for all their work to support and educate the pupils in school and at home, throughout this difficult time.”
