A SCHOOLS’ leader in Wyre Forest has welcomed the government's decision to scrap plans to send all primary aged children back to the classroom before the end of term.

The chief executive of the Severn Academies Educational Trust (SAET), which includes six local primary schools, has described this week’s U-turn as a “relief” to senior leaders and staff.

The aim had been for all primary pupils in the country to spend four weeks in school before the summer break, but some schools say they are already full and cannot accommodate more children.

It is no longer thought to be feasible and instead schools will be given flexibility over whether or not to admit more pupils.

SAET's Chris King said: “It is surprising that it has taken the government so long to understand the plan was a non-starter, as there is simply not enough space in our schools to socially distance more children.

“We are relieved the government has finally acknowledged the impracticality of the proposal which would have jeopardised the safety of our school communities, whist the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

“Our staff have done an amazing job in re-organising their buildings and systems to ensure the safety of the early years, years one and six pupils who have now joined vulnerable children and those of key workers.

“They operate in separate small groups, spread across our classrooms and halls, with staggered start and home times, breaks and lunches, and we could not accommodate more children and staff with such measures in place."

SAET manages Wolverley Sebright, Hartlebury CE, St Bartholomew's CE, Stourport Primary, Wilden All Saints and Far Forest Lea Memorial CE.

Chris added: “Of course, we want all our children to be able to return to school both from a social and educational perspective and we look forward to when that is safe to do so.

“In the meantime, our teachers are providing evermore creative and exciting remote learning opportunities and staying very much in touch with our home learners.”