MP highlights how Leighton Buzzard Year 4 and Year 8 students should be prioritised for school return on June 1 due to three-tier system

The easing of coronavirus lockdown measures means Nursery/ Reception and Year 1, plus Year 6 (who would be transferring to high school in a two-tier system) are in line to resume on June 1, with secondary pupils taking exams next year possibly getting at least some time with their teachers before the summer break.

But South West Bedfordshire MP Andrew Selous has called on the Government to show flexibility and give headteachers discretion about which year groups should be returning.

Alongside children in nursery, reception and Year 1, the Government has asked schools to welcome back children in Year 6 alongside the priority groups currently at school. The Government says that the three year groups within primary have been prioritised because they are key transition years.

But Mr Selous is pointing out that the key transition years in the three-tier system operating in the Leighton Buzzard area are Year 4, when children leave lower school, and Year 8 when children leave middle school.

He said: “I have had a number headteachers, teachers and parents contact me to ask that children in Year 4 and Year 8 be prioritised in our three-tier system over children in Year 6.

"If the government allowed headteachers in lower and middle schools to make their own choice about taking children back from Year 4 and Year 8 , rather than Year 6 at the 1st of June, that would make much more sense in relation to the key transition years for these children."

Mr Selous said it was ironic that the Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson's had a three-tier system operating in his South Staffordshire constituency, adding: "Headteachers in the three-tier system tell me that they are fed up with Government guidance which does not recognise the three-tier system. Children in the three-tier system may be in a minority nationally but their interests must be recognised and I’m calling on the government to do so.”

"The middle schools have taken a collective view because the government is telling them to take Year 6 back, they are going to do it. If they'd been given more freedom and flexibility then I know a lot would prefer to that Year 4 and Year 8 went back. There is a case for them to use their professional judgement. I recognise that some schools may be scared to do so. Three-tier is in the minority but it shouldn't be forgotten."

"I've had councillors and quite a lot of parents get in touch concerned about transition. Year 6 is not a transition year for their children, they feel they've been forgotten or left out."

On whether is what right for any pupils to return yet, he added: "Everyone is obviously worried. It's about getting back as carefully and safely as possible. Going without education for a whole term is a risk too. The guidance is still coming from the Government. I have raised the issue of hand sanitiser with Central Beds Council. do we need it and can we make sure all our schools have enough?"

> Do you think Years 4 and 8 should return on June 1. Are you happy for your child to return yet? Email [email protected]