Preliminary plans for return of Sidmouth Primary School students unveiled

The First Federation Trust which runs 15 schools - including Sidmouth Church of England Primary - has unveiled preliminary plans for the return of the first tranche of pupils next month.

But trust CEO Paul Walker acknowledges 'some parents will not want to send children back to school'.

In a letter to parents Mr Walker writes: "When schools start to re-open, we would encourage parents to send their children to school if your child is in the open year groups.

"We recognise that some parents will not want to send children back to school.

"At this stage all we can do is make the offer.

"We would encourage parents to make the best choice for their child."

The Government is aiming for a gradual reopening of primary schools starting with reception, Year 1 and Year 6 on 1 June, although this is not yet a fixed date.

Schools with a nursery - like Sidmouth CofE Primary - will also open these.

Mr Walker anticipates it is 'highly likely' returning pupils will not attend school full-time with some classes only running for between two and four days a week.

And, where there are staff shortages, Year 6 pupils will not be back in the classroom.

"I know many of you will be hoping to get children back to school, but we have to ensure the plans we put in place are workable," writes Mr Walker.

"We need to plan carefully and make sure we get this right for your children and our staff.

"We need to make sure we can comply with our new health and safety requirements.

"When we admit children back to school, we can only have half a class in a room at a time.

"This will immediately present us with some challenges.

"As more pupils are admitted, the less time they will be able to be in school."

Many of the trust's schools have staff with underlying health conditions, are older or pregnant and unable to return to the classroom.

If staffing numbers are 'insufficient', says Mr Walker, Year 6 will not return.

"Children that do return will be in smaller classes.

"This means they may not be with their usual teacher or some of their friends.

"These classes are temporary, just for the rest of this term.

"It is highly likely that returning children will not be able to come to school on a full time basis.

"It is likely that some classes may only be able to run for between two and four days a week," he adds.

Modifications will be made at some schools and restrictions on the number of adults on site and changes to access will also be implemented.