A primary school in Preston has decided to close until further notice due to coronavirus.
AdvertisementBlessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School in Ribbleton will not re-open as planned on Monday (4 January).
Headteacher Miss K Hannah said in a statement: “I am sure that you have been following the debate regarding schools in the media over the last few days.
“Following advice from teaching unions and due to the concerns over the safety of schools and the rising transmission rates of the virus, we have taken the decision to keep school closed tomorrow.
“We have not taken this decision lightly and as you know, only ever act in the best interests of our children and families.
“Although we hope to be able to open soon, I can not guarantee when this will be.”
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The primary school in Farringdon Lane will continue to open for the children of key workers and other children classed as vulnerable. The school website has details of a booking form which those parents can use to book their child in at the school.
Read more: Secondary schools in Preston and Lancashire won’t return fully until Monday 18 January
Lancashire County Council issued a statement during Sunday (3 January) afternoon urging primary schools to stay open.
However, cabinet member county councillor Philippa Williamson said: “The ultimate decision on whether to open remains with each individual school. Each of those schools knows their own circumstances best, and we will support them to help make the right decision for their pupils and staff.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said ‘schools are safe’ and urged parents to send their children back to school.
Primary schools in London, and a number of other areas with high Covid-19 infection rates, are being told by the government to close until Monday 18 January.
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