More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Just over a half of Kent primary schools will reopen in some capacity this month - but in Medway the figure is far higher.
If you live in Medway there is a 94% chance your child could go back this month - for parents in Kent it is just 55%.
Thousands of Year R, 1 and 6 pupils went back to their classrooms yesterday and this morning - and they are coming to terms with a very different learning environment.
Figures have revealed in Kent 118 primary schools welcomed back 9,183 pupils in Years R, 1 and 6 - out of 128,147 who are primary-aged.
There is a total of 456 primaries in the county including academies and free schools.
But 58 decided to only welcome back some of the year groups while 78 were closed yesterday due to a planned inset day and have said they will reopen today or tomorrow.
That means just over half of all primaries are returning.
KMTV reports on schools going back
Across the country early indications show between 40% and 70% of eligible pupils did return, with many parents opting to keep their children away.
As one Kent education lawyer explained parents making that decision will not be punished - he also gave advice on what you should do before sending your child back.
Teachers have been implementing a number of changes instructed by the government to prevent the spread of coronavirus, including staggered lunchtimes and limiting class sizes.
Pupils will return to “bubbles” where they will stay in the same room with the same classmates and teachers to reduce risk and mixing.
Social distancing measures along with increased cleaning and hygiene practices will be enforced.
In Medway, current figures suggest 63% of primary schools reopened yesterday.
A spokesman for the council said: "We anticipate more primary schools will be able to reopen over the coming week, with 94% of Medway primary schools potentially able to reopen by mid-June.
"We have worked closely with head teachers to support schools plan for the phased reopening.
"Considerations by head teachers on reopening included classroom sizes and the number of classrooms, based on the availability of staff and outside space."
