SEVERAL Reading primary schools have announced they will not reopen to all pupils this week, due to concerns about the rapid spread of Covid-19.

The government wants most primary schools in Berkshire to reopen this week, but says schools in other parts of the south, including London and Kent, should not fully reopen until January 18.

According to the government, for most children “the benefits of being back in school far outweigh the very low risk from coronavirus” – but many parents and teachers are concerned about potential Covid-19 outbreaks.

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Headteachers of several Reading schools have decided it is not safe to allow all pupils to return this week.

They will only open their schools to the children of key workers and vulnerable children. All other pupils will receive online lessons.

The following Reading schools have announced they will not reopen to all pupils as planned this week:

  • Alfred Sutton Primary School – aiming to reopen to all pupils on January 18
  • Caversham Park Primary School – will only “open partially to identified pupils” on January 5
  • Christ the King Catholic Primary School – aiming to reopen to all pupils on January 18
  • EP Collier Primary School – aiming to reopen to all pupils on January 18
  • English Martyrs Catholic Primary School – aiming to reopen to all pupils on January 18
  • Micklands Primary School – says it is “currently closed”
  • Moorlands Primary School – says the school is closed and “further information has been sent by parent mail”
  • New Christ Church CofE Primary School – currently closed
  • St Anne’s Catholic Primary School – currently closed
  • St John’s CE Primary School – aiming to reopen to all pupils on January 18

Other school closures may be announced in the coming days.

Parents with questions about the partial closures should contact the school directly and check the school website.

Secondary schools in England will stagger their return, as pupils taking exams in 2021 will start on January 11 and other year groups will return in person on January 18.

Reading’s seven-day infection rate stands at 503.2 cases per 100,000 people – after 814 new cases in the last week.