Statement in parliament this afternoon on 'reopening of schools in England'

[DownRightAmazing]

By Gavin.

I'm aware there are a million threads on this generally but this is specifically regarding the statement - any leaks/clues/predictions?

To state my own position: I think schools need to close to all except keyworker and vulnerable children. I feel it's obvious this needs to happen. My own two children are thriving at school and I'm not concerned about them at all - if their (primary) school is open, I will send them - but I worry for their teachers, any vulnerable parents of their classmates and of course the NHS.

My prediction (based on nothing): secondary schools blended/part time. Primary fully open. We are tier 4 fwiw and I disagree with opening schools in January...

what time will an announcement be given? I have exam age children who have missed 2 months due to quarantining and having bubbles break.

I’m watching bbc Parliament now but there’s no sound. 🤷‍♀️ They’re doing something about an EU relationship bill.

I'll be crying with utter relief if they do delay the opening!

@PandemicPavolova

I'll be crying with utter relief if they do delay the opening!

I'll be crying with utter relief if they don't.

Sound is back....they’ve voted on the Eu thing so hopefully moving on to some covid stuff now.

Hancock will address the House of Commons at 3pm today to announce any changes to the Tier system and any additional measures the Government will be taking. His announcement may come slightly later, as the vote on the Brexit deal comes first on the agenda today.

Schools announcement is scheduled for after this.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson is due to make a statement in the House of Commons after 15:30 GMT on schools returning in January, with the exact timing depending on earlier business including the Brexit debate.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-55480761

I'm watching BBC parliament now.

Prior to 2020 if someone suggested watching politics I'd have laughed at them

The only hope now is more British people have become aware and involved and future GE will be better involved.

I want them to close, or for parents to at least be given the choice. I'd keep my children home as we are a large family and therefore have more chances of the kids bringing the virus home.

My brood are amazing at wearing masks, even the younger ones. Yet are the only ones.

Bbc saying Lancashire and other areas going to tier 4.

@JacobReesMogadishu

Sound is back....they’ve voted on the Eu thing so hopefully moving on to some covid stuff now.

I would have never believed that I would be wishing away the EU discussion as I was more concerned about something else.

I'm at work (and battery is low 😬) so can't watch TV so really appreciate the reporting on here.

I'm watching sky news.
Just saw my MP strutting about , which put me off my sandwich.

BBC News for Hancock

Back on bbc now :: Matt Hancock briefing on the Oxford vaccines.

I was just thinking like some pp, that who would have thought last year we would be watching BBC parliament and not even that bothered about Brexit.

@the80sweregreat

I'm watching sky news. Just saw my MP strutting about , which put me off my sandwich.

Made me snort

The Brexit vote was never going to be voted down with such a big majority for the conservatives.
It's not a good day for that but it's done now. the pandemic had made me realize that health is as important and how we need to try and stay safe until the new vaccines are rolled out more next year.
It's been a tough year for so many. :(
Long haul ahead still of course.

Just signing in to wait. I'm so worried about primaries shutting. We are only tier 2 and my v anxious dd will really struggle with another closure. Otoh the alternative might be worse

So as of midnight loads of places are now tier 4, nowhere is tier 2. Only Isle of Scilly is tier 1.

Surely they can't just leave primaries open given all that?

They wouldn't announce cancelling exams today would they..?

I think all tier 4 schools will have a delayed start. Primary and secondary. Unfortunately as of tomorrow tier 4 appears to be the majority of the country.

I wonder if Cornwall is still 1?

A delayed start would be a nightmare at the last minute. Having to try and drum up last minute childcare

Cornwall is moving to tier 3

@historysmiles12

They wouldn't announce cancelling exams today would they..?

Nope.

They wouldn’t announce that till April.