Schools reopening sparks row between Labour and Independents

From today, some schools in St Helens have welcomed back children in key transition years – nursery, reception, Year 1 and Year 6.

Across the country, local authorities have said they would not be reopening schools on June 1 amid fears it is not yet safe to do so.

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In St Helens, the Labour-controlled council took the stance that it would support schools to make the decision they felt would be best for them.

This led to the Independents writing to council leader David Baines and the porfolio holder for education, Sue Murphy to voice their concerns.

Cllr James Tasker, leader of the Independents, called on the council to urgently inform school leaders that it could not support the government’s proposals to open schools up to more pupils from June 1 and reassure head teachers and governors that it would assist a “safer opening” at a later date.

The Independents Group have raised concerns with Council Leadership over the rush to open schools further and increasing pupil numbers from 1st June. pic.twitter.com/MzFKryORAU

— James Tasker (@Tasker4Rainhill) May 23, 2020

On Sunday, Cllr Tasker posted a statement on social media, accusing the Labour council leader of ignoring the group’s concerns, although it is understood Cllr Baines did respond to the letter.

Cllr Tasker, ward councillor for Rainhill, said he would not be sending his daughters back to school today and advised other parents to do the same.

“Many residents have been in touch with my colleagues and I expressing their concerns about schools reopening over the next few weeks,” Cllr Tasker said.

“Our communities have had hundreds of infections and sadly many people have died as a result of this virus.

“There are still people becoming infected and still people sadly losing their lives. Me and all of the St Helens Independent councillors have written to the Labour leader of St Helens Council, Cllr David Baines, to request that he reconsiders allowing the schools to reopen.

“Unfortunately he has ignored our request.

“Rather than standing up and being counted, the Labour leader of the council has passed the decision and responsibility to reopen, onto our schools.

“I personally believe that this is a failing in accountability.

“Teachers teach children – that in itself is a complex and tough enough job.

“Teachers should not be expected to make life or death decisions such as this, for themselves, their children, and the children’s families.”

In response, the Labour council leader has accused Cllr Tasker – the first independent councillor to be elected onto the council after taking the seat from Labour in 2018 – of trying to score “cheap party-political points”.

“I’m disappointed that Cllr Tasker and his Independents group would try to politicise what has been a collective process between schools, teaching unions, and the council,” Cllr Baines said.

“It’s also sad but revealing that when the entire borough is pulling together to get through this difficult time, Cllr Tasker has taken such a divisive approach and attempted to score cheap party-political points.

“The last thing our hard-working headteachers need is more people telling them what to do or for this to become a political spat, and the same goes for parents.

“What they need is our support and our thanks.”

Cllr David Baines, leader of St Helens Council

Cllr Baines, a former primary school teacher, said the council has worked closely with schools and teaching unions over the last 10 weeks.

He added that the authority has offered “whatever support was needed to make the best decisions for pupils and staff”.

“I am a parent, and I was a primary school teacher in St Helens for eight years,” Cllr Baines said.

“I know the pressure local teachers, parents and carers are under and how seriously they take their responsibilities.

“I will continue to offer support to schools in taking these complicated and difficult decisions, and in doing what they know to be in the best interests of their pupils, staff, and parents.”

St Helens Council said it has been made aware of 12 primary schools that will be expanding school provision to accommodate pupils from the key year groups.

A further 36 schools are expected to open by June 15.

Cllr Sue Murphy, cabinet member for developing young people, has revealed that “not many” children returned to school today.

Parents will not be penalised if their child does not attend school.

Cllr Murphy, deputy leader of the council and ward councillor for Billinge and Seneley Green, said schools will continue to open their doors for more children in the coming weeks.

She said the council has made it clear that it will work with schools and trade union colleagues to ensure the risks from the virus are “minimised.”

Cllr Sue Murphy, cabinet member for developing young people

Cllr Murphy said:  “Today is the first day the schools reopen for reception, Year 1 and Year 6 children following closure arising from the coronavirus pandemic.

“Our headteachers have worked incredibly hard to ensure their school is ready and safe to reopen.

“Not all schools have been able to meet the government-imposed deadline of June 1.  Where possible, 12 schools have indicated to parents they are open for these year groups.

“This is the first day and not many children have returned to school.

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“Every school is unique, and every child is unique and that is why it is right such important decisions are in the hands of the school, the staff and the parents.

“Throughout this period the council has been keen to support headteachers in their decision making and to support parents in making decisions that they feel is right.

“Children are our most important asset. They are our future and we will do all that we can to protect them and ensure that they are safe.”