Opposition to reopening schools is 'middle class' and harms disadvantaged children who miss school, says academy chief

An academy chief has called opposition to the reopening of schools 'rather middle class' and said it could pose great risk to children 'stuck in a council block, with no fresh air, no exercise and little or no nutritious food.'

Steve Chalke, founder of one of England's biggest academy trusts, Oasis Charitable Trust, has suggested attempts to stop children going back to primary schools on June 1 could have a detrimental effect on disadvantaged pupils.    

Over the past week a fierce debate as to whether children should return to school after the summer half-term has exploded between the schools, government and teaching unions. 

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Steve Chalke, founder of one of England's biggest academy trusts, Oasis Charitable Trust, said attempts to stop children going back to primary schools in June was 'rather middle class'. Picture: Stock

Boris Johnson ordered the closure of schools on March 18, just days before the national lockdown was introduced, with many remaining open to look after vulnerable children and those of frontline key workers. 

Under new government plans to ease the country out of lockdown, children in reception, Year 1 and Year 6 could start back on June 1 with smaller class sizes, of no more than 15, with procedures in place to limit the spread of the virus. 

Yesterday Education Secretary Gavin Williamson demanded teachers union do their 'duty' and stop their blanket objections to the proposed phased return.  

In response Britain's second-largest teaching union, NASUWT, threatened to sue school chiefs if they put teachers 'at risk'. 

The union, which has 310,000 members, wrote to headteachers, academy bosses and local authorities to outline their stance. 

In the letter the union said: 'No teacher should be expected to go into a school that is not safe and until it can be demonstrated that it is safe to do so we will be continuing to support and advise members on that basis.' 

Of the 35 schools within Mr Chalke's trust, 45 per cent of children are eligible for free school meals. 

He told The Times staying away from school could pose greater to risks to these pupils.  

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Mr Chalke said children from disadvantaged background would be at greater risk if they were to miss more school due to a delay in reopening. Picture: Stock

He said: 'The greatest risks for many of our children are being stuck in a council block, with no fresh air, no exercise, little or no nutritious food.'

The Oasis boss suggested many pupils would also be at a disadvantage from missing lessons because many of them 'live in cramped conditions with little digital access' making it difficult for them to learn effectively online.

Despite his comments, Mr Chalke added that his school would not force pupils or staff to attend and  stated that he respected the union's stance.  

In attempt to ease the tensions, union chiefs have been offered a briefing with the Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty this afternoon to reassure them the plans are safe for children, staff and parents.