Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he is putting in place for three-tier school systems in Bromsgrove district as part of the phased wider opening of educational and childcare settings.

From the week commencing 1 June, at the earliest, the Department will be asking primary schools to welcome back children in nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, alongside priority groups. We will only do this provided that the five key tests set by the Government justify the changes at the time.

We want to get all children and young people back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows because it is the best place for them to learn. We know how important it is for their mental wellbeing to have social interactions with their peers, carers and teachers. The safety of children and staff is our utmost priority.

The Department’s guidance for schools and childcare settings to prepare for wider opening from 1 June 2020 is available here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020/actions-for-education-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020.

The three year groups within mainstream primary have been prioritised because they are key transition years. Year 6 children are finishing Key Stage 2 and preparing for the transition to secondary school and, in many cases, the secondary curriculum and will benefit immensely from time with their friends and teachers to ensure they are ready. The Department expects all mainstream schools to follow the same approach and are asking middle schools to do the same and welcome back children in Year 6 to ensure a consistent approach across England.