Head defends policy at Northampton school of keeping pupils in classroom for whole day after criticism from some parents

A Northampton headteacher has defended his policy of not letting pupils outside during breaks or lunchtime as part of post lockdown measures after criticism from some parents.

Under the guidelines posted out to parents on its website, pupils at The Duston School stay in designated classrooms for the whole day, including break and lunchtimes to eat snacks. They are only allowed to leave for toilet breaks or when they go home.

The decision has been criticised by some parents, who are concerned about the lack of fresh air and exercise. But the school insists the policy is in line with government policies and has been done with pupil safety in mind.

Duston School wrote to parents in July and this month outlining its plan for reopening last week, having been closed to all but vulnerable children, those with key worker parents and certain year groups since March.

The new timetable includes staggered lunchtimes but packed lunches and snacks must be eaten in the classroom where pupils had their previous lesson - it is the same for break at 11am.

Head teacher Sam Strickland said: "The school is currently operating in a manner that is in line with the Department for Education guidance as issued to all schools nationally.

"The safeguarding of our pupils is of paramount importance and we have actioned a series of measures to mitigate the risks posed by Covid-19."

But some parents questioned why pupils were not allowed outside at all.

"When a school is that size why can they not segregate an outside area into two, send the children out for 20 minutes on a class year (bubble) rotating basis?" one asked.

"My child finds this quite distressing and I am sure he is not alone."

The school has also closed its car park, again as part of its Covid-19 policies. But this has caused some issues with parents reportedly blocking pavements.

Mr Strickland urged parents to be respectful of the community and be considerate on how they park and drive.

"Currently the school’s car park is closed to parental vehicles. Parents have received a full explanation regarding why we have elected to do this.

"Most of our pupils live within 1.5 miles of the school and we actively encourage them to walk or cycle to school, which is an approach endorsed by our very own prime minister.

"In exceptional circumstances parking permits have been issued to parents who legitimately need them.

"Parents who elect to drive their child to/from school should be considerate with how they both drive and park their vehicle in and around the residential areas within Duston and they should be respectful of the local community," he said.