Parents in Falmouth, Penryn and beyond are being urged to check their children's school reopening plans as the debate about schools reopening continues in government.

Primary schools are set to restart lessons this week, with secondaries opening to vulnerable children and to children of key workers only.

In Falmouth, St Francis School has announced it is expecting to reopen for the spring term reopening with extra cleaning measures and visors for staff.

One that won't be reopening in the area is St Mary's Catholic School sending an urgent message to parents last night saying it will not be opening for pupils, only those children of key workers.

Cabinet Member for Children and Public Health at Cornwall Council, Councillor Sally Hawken, said:

"Attending school has huge value for children for their learning and wellbeing. All teachers know this and have worked incredibly hard to make this possible since September. We all agree that the commitment for schools should be that they are the last to close and first to open.

"The level of uncertainty and change for everyone through the pandemic has been huge and takes its toll on mental health and I am concerned today that the resilience of teachers is under threat. It is time for Gavin Williamson and the Department for Education to acknowledge that: to stop and listen."

Sally continued:

"Opportunity for testing in secondary schools is very welcome but that's no small task logistically and it is important parents know that and appreciate the challenge schools face implementing these procedures.

"Alongside that, we've seen a bewildering array of new directives over the last week. Since the announcement about a staggered return, there have been several changes to expectations for Heads to work through during what I'd hoped was their opportunity to take a precious break and recharge.

"Teaching unions are calling for primary staff to support remote learning except for the children of key workers and vulnerable children for the first weeks back. Today that means many primary Heads are assessing if they will have the staff to be able to open their schools tomorrow."

The latest data for Cornwall has shown a dramatic increase in the number of confirmed cases and it is expected that the rate will continue to rise in the coming weeks, after the short relaxation of rules for Christmas.

The 7-day average is now 176.3 per 100k, with cases doubling in the past 7 days. Amongst school-age children (0-14 years) the rate of infections has risen from 42 per 100k to 114 per 100k in 7 days up to 30th December.

Sally added:

"I support those who choose to notify of a school closure today to take stock and assess the latest public health position for Cornwall. It is crucial we are able to accommodate in school the children of key workers and those who are vulnerable and I'm sure schools will be looking to make that happen smoothly and as a top priority."

For more information on the return to school, make contact with your school through the usual channels.

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