Plan for schools to safely reopen during the covid-19 outbreak

That this House declares that children and their wellbeing must be at the heart of Government decision-making; recognises the negative effect that schools being closed to most pupils is having on the wellbeing and mental health of children; notes that research has shown that home-schooling has been inconsistent across the country during lockdown, with disadvantaged children faring particularly poorly; further notes the stress and effect that schools being closed is having on parents across the country who are having to balance their work commitments with home-schooling; agrees that the best place for students is in the classroom as schools provide consistency, social interaction, stimulating learning environments and promote good health and wellbeing; urges the Government to work together with headteachers, parent bodies, unions and local authorities to urgently devise and publish a plan to reduce covid-19 transmission in schools so that all children can return to school as soon as the circumstances safely allow it; further urges the Government to consider as part of that plan increasing capacity for physical learning, rota systems as seen in other countries, staggered returns and other safety measures; and requests that the Government considers placing teachers on the priority list for covid-19 vaccination after the key vulnerable groups have been vaccinated.