Row over London school closures deepens amid threats of legal action Sean Morrison
A row over Londonschools staying open continues to deepen after two councils retracted advice to close early ahead of Christmas as two others continued to support decisions to move online learning.
The Labour-run Greenwich and Islington councils rowed back on their advice for pupils to be taught online in the last few days of term amid rising coronavirus cases in the capital.
Waltham Forest Council, also under Labour control, said schools in the North London borough had been threatened with potential legal action by the Government if they followed the council s advice to shift learning online.
Waltham Forest Council is advising schools to close early. Photo: PA Waltham Forest schools have been advised to close their doors to almost all children as the borough faces “very serious” Covid rates. Council leader Clare Coghill confirmed on Monday (December 14) the council was “recommending” schools close except for vulnerable children and the children of key workers. The council s decision contradicts the Government s warning for schools not to close early. Neighbouring Redbridge Council also said it would support schools wanting to close early for Christmas and switch to online learning. But Greenwich and Islington councils rowed back on their advice for pupils to be taught online in the last few days of term.
Row over school closures in London rumbles on amid threats of legal action
PA
15 December 2020, 10:12 pm
The ongoing row over schools in London has seen two councils retract advice to close early ahead of Christmas, while two other local authorities continue to support decisions to move online learning.
The Labour-run Greenwich and Islington councils rowed back on their advice for pupils to be taught online in the last few days of term amid rising Covid-19 cases in the capital.
Waltham Forest Council, also under Labour control, said schools in the North London borough had been threatened with potential legal action by the Government if they followed the council’s advice to shift learning online.