Three Bradford schools closing early for Christmas to prevent families from having to quarantine during the festival

It was after Focus Trust announced that it would extend the Christmas holidays of all 15 schools to “protect the happiness” of staff and students, and to “protect important family time together.”

However, Telegraph & Argus understood that the government had contacted the trust and requested that it “consider the arrangement to reflect government guidance,” and said it would remain open until all schools were closed. “Strong expectations” were expressed. the term.

The Trust’s announcement was made by the leadership team and board of directors amid “increasing concern” that COVID-19 will force many children, their families and staff to self-isolate during the traditional two-week vacation. It takes place after a “detailed discussion” between them. ..

Helen Roland, Chief Executive Officer of Focus Trust, said: “Our priority is always to protect the physical and mental health and well-being of our children and staff. All the decisions we make are made for the benefit of our children and the community. Keep in mind. hand.

“Since our school was reopened to all students in September, we have followed government guidelines that bubble groups should be quarantined for two weeks if they are exposed to the virus and are at risk of spreading the virus.

“Since September, 13 out of 15 schools have had to break the bubble, despite strong COVID-protected arrangements and close collaboration with HSE / Public Health, which means 1,740 people. Children and 375 staff needed to be self-isolated. Percent of our children and 38% of our staff.

“Just this week there was one of our one-form entry schools and there was no previous case. Currently, 90 children and 10 staff are isolated for two weeks. This is almost the school. It’s half.

“We recognize that short-term notifications can be a problem for some families, but by adopting a proactive and practical approach to extending breaks, someone during the holidays I don’t want to be forced into quarantine because I am. Contact at school.

“Time is created later in the safe and practical school year and families will be notified of new dates as soon as possible.”

The Ministry of Education, on the other hand, states that there are currently no plans to close schools or introduce lotus, and that these measures are always a “last resort.”

A government spokesperson said in a statement: “We prioritize the education and well-being of children and adolescents by keeping nurseries, schools and colleges open.

“The Chief Medical Officer maintained the view that schools need to remain open and emphasized the damage caused by the lack of education in children’s learning, development and mental health.

“There are no plans for the school to break up early on Christmas.”

Parents of students at one of the three schools in the Bradford district affected by the proposal criticized Focus Trust for being “contrary to government guidelines,” while the plan affected childcare arrangements. Insist, “single-parent family and self-employed” is the most difficult.

Parents wishing to remain anonymous said, “Focus Trust has only given working parents notifications to find childcare for three weeks. It seems that the decision has been made to give teachers time to enjoy Christmas with their families.

“These plans violate government guidelines that schools must remain open. Children are already absent from enough schools.

“Single-parent families and self-employed people just can’t take vacations. Employers don’t cover this. Teachers, partners, and spouses continue to work and risk taking the virus home.

“Once again, this puts the education of the child at the end, and the parents of thousands of major workers do not raise their children and no one can cover the costs.

“This is a comprehensive approach to saving Christmas for a year. It exacerbated the bad situation.

“The teacher will go home to a spouse who is still working and may be exposed to the virus. It has no benefit and I feel it needs to be reviewed.”