Education: Return in January

Mike Amesbury Excerpts

Wednesday 30th December 2020 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Williamson]

As my hon. Friend will recognise, at every stage the safety of pupils and those who work in schools is at the very heart of every decision we make. We all recognise the impact of not being in school on children’s life chances. It is always important to balance the need to get children in with ensuring that they are in a safe environment. The measures we are taking on testing go so far to ensure that children not only get the benefit of that brilliant education but have the surety and confidence of knowing that they are going into a safe and secure environment.

[Mike Amesbury (Weaver Vale) (Lab) [V]]

Surely, given that Cheshire West and Chester has now been put into tier 4, we require an update from the Secretary of State on whether primary schools are going to reopen on Monday, and surely teaching staff should be prioritised for the vaccine. That just makes sense.

[Gavin Williamson]

I can assure the hon. Gentleman that primary schools in Cheshire West and Chester will be open on Monday.