THE Worcestershire Labour Group has voiced objections to the reopening of Primary schools for Reception, Year 1 and Year 6 in June.

Members have raised concerns about both the health and wellbeing of children, their wider families and the staff within the school.

Group leader Councillor Robin Lunn said: "Any return to school by individual year groups should only come about when the following conditions are met and it can be done safely.

"Schools have remained open during the Covid-19 crisis for the children of key workers and we applaud the professionalism of the staff that have kept them running.

"Any managed return to school should have full agreement between the government and teachers, based on reliable medical evidence which the BMA and other scientific bodies endorse.

"This will have the benefit of giving confidence to more parents who will feel happier about sending their children back to school."

They have also questioned why more thought has not been given to Year 10 and Year 12 children returning to Secondary and 6th forms due to their 'vital' exams next year.

They want to ensure that conditions set by the National Education Union are met, which includes evidence of much lower recorded Covid 19 cases than we have currently, and access to regular testing for children and staff.

Cllr Lunn added: “We call on Worcestershire County Council to ensure that these conditions are met, so that any return to school in June does not leave parents or staff worried about catching Covid 19 and ensures a safe and secure environment.

"We fully appreciate that it is in the interests of all children particularly from poorer backgrounds, to be re-integrated back into school life, but only when it is safe to do so.”

The final decision on whether schools re-open from June 1 is set to be made in the coming days.