Hartlepool Borough Council confirm that primary schools will open across the town this week

Hartlepool Borough Council have confirmed that primary schools across the town are expected to open from tomorrow (Monday, January 4) based on public health advice.

The council have said that the situation is under constant review but stated that Hartlepool is not currently experiencing the number of Covid-19 cases that some areas of London and the South East are.

The director of children’s services at Hartlepool Borough Council, Sally Robinson said: “Primary schools across Hartlepool are currently expected to open as planned during this week, from tomorrow (Monday 4 January) based on public health advice.​

“This is an ever changing situation which is under constant review but we are not currently experiencing the number of cases in areas such as London and some parts of the South East where primaries will remain shut to most pupils.

“The safety of our children is our utmost priority and local decisions are driven by public health evidence and by the massive importance of education.”

It comes as Hartlepool MP Mike Hill backed the calls from teaching unions to delay reopening of schools after the Christmas holiday to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

He said: “Education is important and it’s vital that our children return to a safe learning environment in schools as soon as possible, but as the new highly infectious strain of coronavirus spreads across the country, parents will rightly be wondering what’s the difference between a Tier 4 school in London and a Tier 4 school in Hartlepool?"

On Sunday, January 3, Prime Minister Boris Johnson appeared on the Andrew Marr Show, during which he said he had “no doubt” that schools are safe.

Mr Johnson said: “Schools are safe. It is very, very important to stress that. The risk to kids, to young people is really very, very small indeed. The risk to staff is very small.

"I would advise all parents thinking about want to do, look at where your area is, overwhelmingly you'll be in a part of the country where primary schools tomorrow will be open.

"I understand people's frustrations, I understand people's anxieties but there is no doubt in my mind that schools are safe and that education is a priority."

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