Doncaster Council set to defy Boris Johnson over plan to re-open schools

The Prime Minister said last week that he wants schools to re-open on June 1 as coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased.

But parents and teachers have fear that schools will be unable to operate safely and now Doncaster Council has said it will take a ‘Doncaster specific approach and do what is best for the children of Doncaster.”

A spokesman said: “We’re working closely with schools across the borough on arrangements around the proposed school reopenings.

“It’s been agreed by everyone that we will take a Doncaster-specific approach to the situation and do what is best for the children of Doncaster.

“Schools will only open when everyone is confident that the relevant plans are in place to ensure the safety of staff, children, young people and families.

“The final decision on when and how schools open will ultimately be made by each individual school with the best interests of their staff and pupils in mind. They will continue to update parents of their plans.”

As part of the phased return to the "new normal", the PM said primary school kids will return from the start of June.

But teaching unions are opposed because there are fears many schools will not be able to operate safely and have called on teachers to be given the same safety measures as other frontline workers.