Some parents in and around Watford are against Government preparations to bring some primary school children back to school.

Across England, there are more than 470,000 signatures backing a petition to give parents the option in not sending children back to school if the government moves to ‘phase two’ of its Covid-19 recovery strategy.

The guidance says that from the start of June, a phased reopening of schools could be considered for pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 6, with the intention to possibly return all primary school children before the end of summer, if feasible.

Read more: Parents will not be fined for keeping children at home when schools reopen

Secondary schools should prepare some face-to-face contact with Year 10 and 12 pupils as they prepare for their GCSE and A-level exams.

But many parents reading the Watford Observer who shared their reactions to the news, say they are backing the petition as they fear for the safety of their children.

‘Who will be held to blame if schools become breeding grounds for Covid-19?’

One parent, Clare Eastwood, questioned: “I don’t understand how it is okay for my child to go to school and sit inside a building surrounded by adults and children from different households, yet is not allowed to visit family their homes - even if you know the family home has been adhering to lockdown measures and no one in that household are symptomatic or at high risk?”

Chris Mindy said: “While I’m sure all parents value education, I would ask what is the point?

“Children might be at low risk, but can still carry it, and who will be held to blame if schools become breeding grounds for Covid-19?”

Watford Observer: Some families are concerned about safety if children return back to school. Photo: PA

Many other comments agreed that kids returning to school during the pandemic could put the children, teachers, or family at home at risk.

Agnes Brennan-Wood believed that specifically Year 6 children should go back, only if both the parents are kids are comfortable with the arrangement.

She said: “They could go in for a few hours a day, or one half in then the next half.

“It’s such a shame they may not see their friends if going to different schools in September. Plus, they have all missed their school trips and their Year 6 plays.”

Caroline White suggested that the move may be to sudden and suggested replacing the traditional six week summer holiday this year with the trial to return to schools.

She said: “If the Government agreed to scrap such a long break, then it would buy extra time for the transmission to reduce and for us to learn from other countries.

“The aim to filter children back to school from June could be pushed back to July 1 when the virus should be considerably more controlled.”

‘You‘ve listened to them so far, so why not now?’

While it seems those opposed to the move were most vocal about their thoughts, there was still a collective group supporting the idea to bring children back to school.

Linda Cooney called the return back to school a “win-win” as she said she believes her child would essentially have “one-on-one tutoring” and there will be “no problems social distancing” as many would most likely keep their children home.

Another commenter, Luke Jelfs, said: “It will be interesting to see who the parents blame when their kids fall behind at school because they haven’t sent them in.”

One reader, Danny Cains, shared his full support for following Government guidance, as he said: “That’s what the authorities say, so it must be obeyed.

“You’ve listened to them so far, so why not now?

“This isn’t to suit your family needs, it’s for the greater good - or so I’m told.”

How will children be kept safe?

The Department for Education have clarified a series of measures to ensure social distancing and reducing the spread of the virus during this time.

In the document, it states that classes will be separated and have no more than 15 pupils, which cannot mix with other groups of students.

The guidance says to assure that the different groups avoid mixing with each other, there will be staggered break times and different times to start and end the school day.

While the guidance does not recommend for members in the school to wear masks, children will be encouraged to wash their hands regularly and maintain good hygiene.

‘We will not penalise for keeping children at home’

Parents wishing to keep their children out of school as the pandemic continues will not be penalised according to current guidance.

The Government’s guidance states: “We strongly encourage children and young people in the eligible year groups and priority groups (such as children of critical workers) to attend, as requested by their school or college, unless they are self-isolating or there are other reasons for absence (such as shielding due to health conditions).

“You should notify your child’s school or college as normal if your child’s school or college as normal if your child is unable to attend so that staff are aware and can discuss with you.

“Parents will not be fined for non-attendance at this time.”