THERE was a notable degree of concern among parents and teaching representatives as schools in south Cumbria began to reopen this week.

A considerable number of the approximately 300 primary schools started to welcome back reception, Year 1 and Year 6 pupils as of Monday.

According to Cumbria County Council: “For Hubs and schools opening for children of key workers and vulnerable children, there were 194 schools planning on being open (60%) and 17 Hubs from Monday 1 June, with a further 21 schools being open from Tuesday June). This would give a total of 67% of schools opening, plus the 17 Hubs.

“In addition, for schools open to Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, there were 56 schools planning on opening from Monday 1 June (17%), with a further 12 schools opening from Tuesday 2 June (68 schools in total, or 21%).”

A YouGov poll showed that 50 per cent of respondents were opposed to the reopening of schools this week.

Gazette readers were split on the question. Sue Young said: “No. I feel it’s too soon. There’s no protection for the staff in the and school I don’t see how [the proposed] ‘bubbles’ work if one of my kids did get it.”

Louisa Moore echoed the sentiment, saying: “Nope not a chance.”

Meanwhile, Alan Gilpin said: “Not that you have a lot of choice if you’re both working and can’t use grandparents to help out, but I’m still a yes on this.”

Cllr Sue Sanderson, the county council cabinet member for schools and learning, outlined some of the challenges educators and local authorities have been experiencing ahead of today’s reopening date.

She said: “A number of local schools in my area haven’t been able to reopen due to staffing issues.

“For a lot of schools in Cumbria, the main challenge will be buildings.

"Many are Victorian and have such narrow corridors that it would make social distancing very difficult in practice.”

Teaching unions, which have been at the centre of a bitter row with the Government over its plans, last week set out five tests to be fulfilled before schools can safely reopen.

A National Education Union spokesperson said: “School leaders, their staff and families deserve better than this.

"Even at this late stage, we call on the government to draw back from wider opening of primary schools from Monday.”

A Cumbria County Council spokesman said: “The council’s key message for parents is that there will be different arrangements in different areas – so it is vital that they carefully read the communications from their child’s school about what is happening locally.

“Individual schools will make their own decisions about reopening following a risk based assessment process.

“The safety, health and wellbeing of all staff and pupils is of paramount importance.”

Responding to concerns around certain secondary school groups recommencing classes later this month, Miriam Bailey, from the South Lakes Federation of Schools, said: “the government has now changed its guidance for secondary schools with the date of 15th June being the start date for contact with students.

“Until then heads will be working towards how they can best organise contact with the year groups 10 & 12 before the end of the summer term and make sure that schools are as safe as possible for students and staff.”