Southport’s schools scheduled to re-open to Years 1, 6, 10 and 12 on Monday 22 June

Following advice issued to schools in Sefton to delay reopening, Sefton Council can now confirm that all schools will be reopening for Nursery, Reception and Years 1, 6, 10 and 12 on Monday, June 22.

Cllr Ian Maher, Leader of Sefton Council said: “Sefton Council’s approach has been to work with headteachers and staff focusing on making safe and sensible decisions and maintaining, wherever possible a collective approach to the re-opening of our schools.

“This has resulted in excellent preparatory work undertaking and completing risk assessments and we now feel it is appropriate to recommend that schools do progress to wider opening from 22nd June.

“Recent publicity about the R number created considerable uncertainty among parents, pupils and staff about the safety of any opening of schools beyond the current arrangements.

“However the available evidence is that the R is below 1 in the North West, all schools have carried out risk assessments and taken the necessary steps to safely progress to wider opening and we are confident that there is sufficient PPE available locally and all schools have been provided with a ‘starter’ pack, which has led to today’s confirmation of schools reopening on 22nd June.

“Since 23rd March many schools in Sefton have remained open to children of key workers and vulnerable children. Teachers and support staff have ensured children have been supported during this challenging period.

“All settings will continue to remain open for vulnerable children and the children of key workers as they have been since the start of the national lockdown.”