Return to school has been ‘muddled and confusing’ say East Sussex councillors

Lib Dems are calling for more clarity from the government on its plans, after Year 10 and 12 pupils partially returned this week.

Councillor Alan Shuttleworth, who is the local party’s spokesperson for education, said, “It is time for the government to have an open discussion with school leaders to work towards getting as many children as possible back to school in a safe and organised way.

“The government must demonstrate more clarity and leadership in managing the process which has been muddled and confusing for everyone.

“Headteachers are in the best position to prepare the schools but this needs to link to an overall strategy which puts children’s needs first.”

Councillor Shuttleworth, who represent Langney in Eastbourne, also said the county council needs to ‘take a lead in encouraging our schools to work with partners in the community to identify spaces that would enable pupils to return to school with safe distancing’.

He said, “School staff have worked tirelessly to develop home learning packages for children not in school.