Letter from Cllr Jasmine Ali to the Secretary of State for Education about plans to reopen schools

21 May 2020

Cllr Jasmine Ali, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Adult Care, has written to Gavin Williamson, Secretary of State for Education, regarding concerns about plans to reopen schools on 1 June. The full text of the letter is below.

"Schools and parents are understandably concerned about the safety of pupils returning to school. COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on our communities and while I welcome the news that the number of daily deaths is now falling, it is concerning that the infection rate appears to be climbing after the loosening of lockdown restrictions last week. As Southwark’s lead member for children, schools and adult care I have witnessed the distressing way that the rate of COVID-19 infection increased in care homes. I must seek assurances from you that the phased return in June is in line with public health guidance, without the risk of harming the health of pupils, their families and school staff.

"I understand that on 28 May the government is to review the latest scientific advice on the safety of schools reopening, but if a decision is not made until that date it will give schools no time to prepare for potentially reopening on 1 June. And, if at that time the rate of infection has increased, will the government still go ahead with the current timetable for reopening schools?

"Southwark Council is committed to giving every young person in our borough the best start in life and I am of course deeply concerned about the impact the current pandemic has had on the wellbeing of children in our borough, particularly the most disadvantaged. But how can we accept your assurance that your proposed phased return on 1 June will benefit pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds? After all, while I welcomed the news that you would be sending over 1000 home computers for use by pupils that need them, they have still not materialised. You will forgive us, therefore, if we treat your announcements with some caution.

"You refer us to the gap in attainment for disadvantaged pupils. Of course, this widening gulf is a major concern, and this is something we have been drawing to the attention of national government for many years. While there can be no doubt that a return to proper schooling would help less advantaged pupils, it is also clear that poorer families are more vulnerable to infection with the coronavirus and more vulnerable to serious complications, so sending large numbers of children back to school must surely only take place if schools really are safe environments and if the public health advice is clear that is will not unnecessarily put children, teaching staff and our wider community at risk.

"The majority of Southwark’s schools, colleges and early years settings have remained open throughout this period to support the children of key workers and children with a social worker. Rather than a phased return based on form groups, I ask that you consider a more carefully targeted return for those families on the edge of care and/or from families who have found home-schooling challenging because of additional pressures including work, housing, financial and domestic issues.

"Given that Southwark is a diverse borough I am deeply concerned that evidence shows how people from BAME backgrounds are at least twice as likely to die as a result of COVID-19 infection. Is this something that you have factored into your school's plan, and if so, how?

"It is often said that schools are the fourth emergency service and Southwark schools have proved this 100 percent correct in recent weeks. We are working with our schools on their risk assessments so that they can be confident that they are safe for staff and children and I am surveying parents to obtain their views. Our schools will have to find new ways of working to facilitate social distancing, which will have an impact on all students, not least those with special education needs. What provision will your department make to mitigate extra costs that schools will incur as a consequence?

"The education trade unions are also seeking reassurances and I share their concerns. It is especially troubling that the Health Secretary’s sudden announcement of testing for all over 5 years of age who show symptoms appears not to be backed with any explanation of how this massive increase is to be delivered, and that after all these months no meaningful programme of contact tracing is in place. I ask for your reassurance that schools will not be asked to open to full year groups until clear and robust arrangements are in place for comprehensive testing in any schools where there is a suspect case of COVID-19, including clear systems to notify councils’ public health teams of suspected cases so we can support schools.

"I appreciate the pressure that you must be under. However, my experience of adult social care, namely the lack of collaboration of care homes (see attached my unanswered letter sent to your counterpart in Health) has been deeply troubling. I ask you now to make sure that our children, teachers and school staff are kept safe. I ask that you answer my questions and work collaboratively with Southwark, other local authorities, schools, parents and trade unions on a workable plan for the opening of schools when the science says it is safe to do so.

"I look forward to your response and urgent action."

Page last updated: 23 November 2023