The Government has confirmed all London primary schools will remain shut next week due to high rates of Covid-19 infection. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson confirmed today (January 1) the decision to close all London primary schools had been a last resort .
Greenwich leader Danny Thorpe said he was absolutely delighted to hear Williamson had finally climbed down and reversed his decision . London Mayor Sadiq Khan also welcomed the U-turn after previously expressing dismay at the ridiculous Government decision to order some pupils in the capital to return to their classrooms next week despite the city being in the grip of a fresh wave of Covid transmissions.
The government s announcement to delay primary school reopenings in some areas has been heavily criticised in parts of southeast London. Both Greenwich and Lewisham were not included on the list - meaning their primary schools are expected to reopen as normal next week. This is despite both boroughs appearing to have a higher rate of Covid-19 infection than other boroughs ordered to delay their reopenings. Around a million primary school pupils in some of the areas hardest hit by Covid-19 will not return to lessons as planned next week, while the expected staggered reopening of secondary schools in England will also be delayed.
Sadiq Khan wants Gavin Williamson to clarify his decision to open some London primary schools. Credit: PA/Newsquest The Mayor of London and council leaders have said they were not consulted on the Government’s decision to reopen some primary schools in the capital from next week. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson yesterday announced that primary schools in much of England would reopen as planned on January 4 but would remain closed to all but vulnerable children and children of key workers in “areas of concern” including most of London and parts of Essex. Secondary school pupils in exam years will return to classrooms on January 11 with the remainder of pupils returning a week later on January 18 to allow for the implementation of mass testing.