TWO primary schools have announced that they will not be reopening for the majority of pupils tomorrow.

Lammack Primary School and Longshaw Community Junior School in Blackburn have both said that due to fears raised by teaching unions about the coronavirus infection rate, they will remain closed for most children tomorrow, though Longshaw will continue to take in Year 6 and some vulnerable pupils.

Lammack has said that the likelihood is that they then move to online learning for the next two weeks, but that they would update parents on the situation tomorrow.

A message sent to parents from headteacher Paula Duckworth reads, “As you may be aware that has been a great deal of media speculation about schools reopening over the past few days.”

“On inspection of the school site today in light of the recent snow and coupled with the safety concerns around the rising infections of Covid-19 and the new variant, the Chair of Governors and I have taken the difficult decision to close for ALL CHILDREN tomorrow (in place of the INSET day later in the year). This will enable myself and senior leaders to risk access the school in light of the new variant and implement guidance by unions and the LA.

“The likelihood is school will then move to remote learning for the next two weeks until 18 January but the risk assessment will indicate what changes we can make over the coming two weeks.”

The message adds: “I understand this is last minute and I am under no illusion of the frustration this will cause but I am left with no option as I can only open school if it is safe to do so.”

The headteacher went on to apologise for the late decision on the matter.

Meanwhile Longshaw has also said that it would not be open for the majority of children, but that Year 6 children and some of those from vulnerable families would still be able to attend.

A statement said: "You may be aware that teaching unions have addressed members that schools are not currently safe places to work in because of the spread of the new variant of Covid-19.

"As a result, we are unable to open school to the majority of children because we do not have sufficient members of staff to keep children safe."

It added: "School will be open to all Year 6 children and some children from vulnerable families.

"We will be open to key worker children later in the week."

"The remainder of pupils meanwhile will be taught by remote learning.

"Parents and carers will be contacted to confirm which children have places and can attend school."