Hackney Town Hall

In line with current Government guidance, most of our schools remain open to children to critical workers and vulnerable pupils (more information).

The Government is asking schools and settings to start to plan to reopen to more pupils, from the week commencing 1 June at the earliest. This would include:

• Early years settings

• Reception and Year 1

• Year 6

• Year 10 and 12 for some face to face time

• Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Your school will be in touch with you to share more information as they have it.

A statement from the Mayor of Hackney Philip Glanville and Deputy Mayor Cllr Anntoinette Bramble regarding the proposed phased reopening of schools:

"The most important thing - and our priority - is that pupils and all of our school staff are safe and not put at any undue risk. We really want to get more pupils back at school learning - but we’ve been very clear that this must only happen when the time is right and we continue to monitor the situation carefully.

"Almost all Hackney schools have been open for the children of key workers and for vulnerable children over the past seven school weeks. We thank them for all their work to support and educate the children of Hackney, both in school and at home, in these unprecedented times.

"At the moment, the Council is working with school leaders to support them to open further to certain year groups from 1 June, if that is what schools decide to do, and in line with Government guidance. We all know that there is widespread uncertainty about this issue for school colleagues, parents and the community. The levels of risk, safety and the need to maintain the confidence of all those involved will be a critical part of these difficult decisions. Ultimately the decision to open will be made by headteachers and governing bodies, and we have assured them that they have our full support, whatever they choose to do. We know they are working to provide a clear, safe structure for their schools.

"The lack of clarity from the Government has been very frustrating, leaving councils to step in and provide advice and support in the absence of detailed national guidance. We have written to the Government raising our deep concerns and as yet have had no reply, and we continue to engage with the trade unions. 

"We are aware that each family will have different circumstances that may affect their decision to send their child back to school and we will also support them whatever they decide to do. Schools will continue to provide access to resources and work for those who do not return to school before the summer holiday. 

"Over the coming days, with more guidance - and a firm decision - expected from the Government, we will continue to listen, reflect and support our schools, staff and families at a local level to collectively do our best for our young people and the brilliant staff who work with them."