York Central MP Rachael Maskell supports the unions’ call to see the evidence for why the Government has chosen younger age groups for the first to return.
The Government has planned a phased reopening of primary schools in England.
Children in nursery and pre-school, Reception and Years 1 and 6 at primary school will return to classes after half-term on June 1.
At secondary school and colleges, Years 10 and 12 will return first.
However, teaching unions have said the date is too soon to be safe.
Ms Maskell said: “Teachers and support staff have worked so hard over the last two months in reaching out to families not in school while supporting children who have come into school.
“We cannot let this work unravel, and therefore I support the teaching unions’ call for Government to publish the evidence on which they have based their decision for schools to re-open by June 1, and why they have selected the age groups they have.
“I have further asked Parliamentary questions about this, to ensure that the environment is safe for children and staff.”
She added: “Children in early years are like magnets, and it is impossible to keep them apart, so I question why this age group has particularly been targeted for an early return.”
Ms Maskell said she has been receiving a lot of queries from parents who are concerned, and grandparents who are often involved in providing informal childcare around the school day, but are currently isolating, as it would be unsafe for them to then be with their grandchildren for risk that they could be infected as a result, the MP said.
“There are many questions that need addressing before a safe return can be achieved,” she said.
“I will work with families and teachers to ensure we get this right, and look forward to a meeting with the teaching unions later this week.
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