THE "aim is to reopen schools on June 1" - Dudley Council stated today despite calls saying the move would be "reckless and dangerous" and "place children in danger."

The council, which said it had been planning for the return of pupils for some time, is set to reopen schools to children in nursery, reception, year one and year 6 after half term, in line with government guidance.

This will be "subject to confirmation from the government on May 28, and in line with the schools own risk assessments and recovery plans."

The news comes as a letter has been circulating online from Dudley Trades Union Council calling for the council not to reopen schools from June 1, which it believes is "premature" and will put children at risk.

Councillor Ruth Buttery, cabinet member for children’s services, said today (Wednesday May 20): “The government has set an ambition for more pupils to begin to return to school from June 1 and have been clear that priority will be given to children in nursery, reception, year one and year 6.

"Our aim is therefore to reopen schools to those year groups after half term, subject to confirmation from the government on May 28, and in line with the schools own risk assessments and recovery plans.

“Even though these are incredibly challenging times, I believe we are stronger because of it and I would like to thank everyone who have been working incredibly hard to get children back into the classrooms as soon as it is safe to do so.”

She added: “We’re pleased that a majority of our education settings have remained open in Dudley borough throughout the coronavirus outbreak providing vital support and childcare to children of our key workers as well as vulnerable children.

"Since the decision was taken to close schools to a majority of pupils, we have been planning for the day they could welcome more children back into school.

“Our education staff has been worked tirelessly behind the scenes with colleagues in public health, corporate landlord services, our headteachers and the department for education to ensure when able to, we could expand the number of children in schools safely.

"This has been a really positive, holistic collaboration with the children at its heart."

The letter, which has been put together by Dudley Trades Union Council, reads: "To open schools at this time is a reckless and dangerous move that will place our children in danger. Our children are not guinea pigs.

"There is emerging evidence about the impact of Covid-19 on children and that they are just as at risk of infection as adults.

"Our children are definitely missing school, their friends and teachers and it is tough being at home, but keeping them safe and well is our priority and we will not send them back into school until we know it is safe to do so.

"We place their lives first.

"Local Councils including Liverpool and Hartlepool have decided not to open their schools on June 1st.

"We ask Dudley Council to stand with us – children, parents and school staff - against the premature easing of the lockdown and the Government’s June 1st reopening."