The reopening of secondary schools is reported to be delayed in parts of England, with headteachers calling for pupils to be tested for COVID-19 on site.
The Department of Education has confirmed that upon the start of the new academic year next month, schools in England will be allowed to stagger their start dates so pupils can be tested twice, according to The Sunday Times.
The paper reported yesterday that parents have been told lessons in many secondary schools across the country are not expected to fully start until the second week of term.
Education unions have thus been warning that the start of the new academic year will “almost certainly” prompt a rise in COVID cases.
These claims come after the UK government confirmed that carbon dioxide monitors are to be provided to state-funded schools in England to help staff tackle poor ventilation and reduce the spread of the virus.
ADVERTISEMENT
“The new school year and college terms will almost certainly prompt an uptick in case counts nationally,” said Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union.
“Current levels already match where we were in December 2020 [and so] to counter a significant rise in the R-rate heading back over one, school and college leaders will be looking to see what they can do to ensure on-site learning is safe and sustainable throughout the autumn term.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Schools in England will be allowed to stagger their start dates so pupils can be tested twice / Credit: Flickr
Geoff Barton – General Secretary of the ASCL union – also told The Sunday Times: “If you have nine million going back to school, having been mixing through the summer, you can see the need to test them on site.”
It was confirmed in July by the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson that schools could remove measures including bubbles and face masks when they return in September, but The I reports that a recent survey of more than 1,200 senior teaching staff found that many schools are still planning preventative measures.
Nearly one in five schools are reportedly planning to stagger the start or end of the school year throughout the coming term.
ADVERTISEMENT
Steve Chalke – Chief Executive of Oasis – said: “Headteachers have called for months for a way of opening schools and keeping them open to avoid a third year of academic disruption to children.”
It's important to continue testing and report children's test results – even if negative or void.https://t.co/zKQ4uC5WGh
— Department for Education (@educationgovuk) August 22, 2021
Despite the reports that staggered start times will be introduced, and the first school week could be delayed, Department for Education (DfE) insiders have denied that kids will lose out with more chaos when they return next term.
They said schools can reopen the week before term starts to begin testing.
And a DfE spokesperson added: “Settings may commence testing three working days before the start of term and can stagger the return of pupils across the first week.”
Featured Image – David L. Ryan / Getty
News
Delays on M60 continue after man dies falling from bridge near Trafford Centre
Daisy Jackson
A man has tragically died after falling from a bridge on the M60, near the Trafford Centre.
Police closed the motorway in both directions at around 10am this morning as they responded to the concern for welfare.
The man was on Barton Bridge on the M60, but tragically fell and passed away at the scene.
The motorway was shut anti-clockwise between junction 12 for the M602 and junction 10, and on the clockwise carriageway between junction 9 and 11, with a huge diversion in place.
Although the motorway has reopened as the afternoon has worn on, disruption is ‘likely’ to continue for several hours yet.
National Highways is reporting up to two miles of congestion on the M60 around Barton Bridge.
In a statement released earlier today, a GMP spokesperson said: “Officers are currently responding to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60, reported at around 9:40am today (Tuesday 31 March).
“The M60 remains closed in both directions while emergency services are in attendance. Significant delays are expected and drivers are advised to avoid the area where possible.”
GMP later added: “Earlier today, officers responded to a concern for welfare on Barton Bridge on the M60. The man sadly fell from the bridge and passed away at the scene.
“The road remains closed while enquiries continue. Please avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible as disruption is likely to continue for the rest of the day.”
Molly-Mae Hague and adidas drop new collection inspired by matcha and iced lattes
Daisy Jackson
Today, adidas has finally released its hotly-anticipated parnership with Manchester-based influencer Molly-Mae Hague.
The social media superstar has collaborated with the sportswear giant for a limited-edition footwear collection inspired by matchas and iced lattes.
Molly-Mae and adidas Originals have just given fans a look at the shoes for the first time.
The star has curated a limited-edition collection of iconic Originals silhouettes – a Samba and a Superstar.
The first is the Samba Matcha shoes, a premium leather and suede shoe in a soft green colour, with double pink and white laces.
The other is a Superstar II Latte, which again features double laces in coffee-coloured hues, but in the iconic leather Superstar silhouette.
In behind-the-scenes footage of the design process on Molly-Mae’s Amazon Prime documentary series, Behind It All, she described them as ‘matcha cool girl in London’ shoes – and the vision has definitely come to life.
Molly-Mae said: “Seeing my creative vision come to life on two iconic adidas Originals silhouettes that have long been staples in my wardrobe is a true dream.
“Being so closely involved in the design process and creating products that feel fun, timeless, and an authentic extension of my own personal style has been the best experience.
“I am so excited to see how others style them in their own way.”
Steve Marks, VP Brand adidas UK commented: “At adidas, we partner with individuals who define style through authenticity and a deep-rooted connection to our brand.
“Molly-Mae’s relationship with adidas Originals has developed organically over time as a key advocate of the brand and this partnership represents a natural evolution – bringing her signature aesthetic to two of our most iconic silhouettes.”
The limited-edition adidas Originals x Molly-Mae collection drops in stores and online on 9 April, priced at £100 per pair.
The Manc -
23rd August 2021 
