How parents in Northampton have responded to uncertainty surrounding schools

Following increased Covid-19 cases across the country, concerns have been growing about students and teachers returning to school.

So much so that some Northampton primary schools have made the decision to only reopen to keyworker and vulnerable children following the Christmas break.

In response to the issue, Chronicle & Echo asked readers how they felt about the situation and whether they wanted their children to return to school or stay at home.

Many parents commented saying they felt their children were ‘safer at home’ and that they were concerned about children bringing the virus into their homes where family members might be more vulnerable.

One parent said: “I never wanted mind to go back I am more than happy to homeschool them as I am lucky enough to work from home anyway

“If I had my way they wouldn’t go back until this nasty virus has completely gone which I know could be years.”

Another added: “What I don’t get is it’s not safe to go to get your haircut who have PPE but yet teachers don’t have no PPE and interact with 30 plus children yet are deemed safe when kids are always spreading illnesses around.”

Another parent posted: “I think the teachers need prioritising for the vaccine to protect them and their families and the vaccine roll out in general needs to be given to more of the population to bring the risk down.

“This new variant is affecting children more and needs to be urgently looked into, so yes online for the next couple of weeks and then reopen once the vaccine has been given to the teachers.

“Crack on with the vaccine roll out and do a strict lockdown until then for the safety of all.”

However, some parents are keen for their children to return to school for a number of reasons, and other mums and dads can understand both sides of the issue.

One parent said: “I think it’s a good idea for the kids to return. Schools have done amazing up until now and I’m sure they will continue to do so.

“Yes the risk is higher but so is mental health within kids.

“If your child is of an age to say they are happy to return then let them go back. My kids have said they are looking forward to seeing friends again and that’s what matters to me - their happiness.”

Another added: “I’m in two minds, I want my daughter to go back for her learning and development etc but also worried about her safety as well as bringing anything back into the home.”

For some parents, there is also growing frustrations around the inconsistencies regarding schools.

One commenter said: “My son has to go back while schools up the road are closed. It’s ridiculous and needs the Government to be strong and close them all or open them all. That won’t happen though because the Government has lost control of the virus again.”

Northamptonshire teaching union representatives also pointed out the need for clear guidance from the Government so all parts of the country are in the same positions with schools.

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you