Sheffield headteacher tells government ‘NOT to close schools’ ahead of second lockdown

People across England have been told to stay at home from this Thursday, November 5, with all non-essential shops, lesiure facilities, entertainment venues set to close during the new four-week lockdown which was imposed amid rising Covid-19 infections and dates.

Coronavirus LIVE: Boris Johnson announces new speech today as Sheffield braces for lockdown

But unlike during the first lockdown, schools, colleges and universities will remain open, with the Government saying it wants to ‘prioritise the wellbeing and long-term futures of our young people’.

The National Education Union (NEU) has called for schools and colleges to close, insisting they are ‘an engine for virus transmission’ and it would be ‘self-defeating’ to impose a national lockdown while keeping them open.

More than 260,000 people have signed a petition asking the Government to close schools and colleges again due to the rise in Covid-19 cases to ‘protect teachers and pupils and their families’, meaning the petition will be considered for a debate in Parliament.

Who can claim for furlough when lockdown starts – and rules for self-employed workers

But some teachers are backing the Government’s stance this time around, including Nina Gunson, the headteacher of Sheffield High School for Girls.

She tweeted: “Well we may have another interesting few weeks ahead of us as we enter lockdown 2. So glad the schools are staying open though. These children do not need further isolation.

"It isn’t just about the quality of learning, they need to socialise and see other children and adults for their emotional development. Our teachers and support staff are committed to doing their best for these young people. Please don’t bow down to pressure and close the schools Gavin Williamson. We’ve got this!”

Government confirms all the rules for second lockdown - including seeing your family

Ms Gunson’s comments have earned some support, with one person praising her ‘inspirational words’ and another saying he has ‘full faith in the school’ and is ‘very happy’ his daughter is back.

Gavin Williamson, the education secretary, has defended the Government’s approach.

He said: “PM is absolutely right, we must protect the NHS and very important we keep schools and colleges open, as the Chief Medical Officer has said schools are the safest and best places to be, not just for children’s education, but for their wellbeing.”