HEADTEACHERS in the district have raised concerns as the Government’s intended reopening date for schools draws closer.

Schools across the area are urgently drawing-up “individual risk assessments” after embarking on the huge task of carrying out surveys so the views of parents can be taken into account.

Last night, Bradford Council said it was working closely with schools to establish exactly what support is needed for them to reopen safely.

When Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed an exit plan for leaving the lockdown, a 50-page document released the day after included “a phased return for early years settings and schools” from June 1.

A council spokesman said: “We have been in regular contact with all schools across Bradford district and are supporting headteachers to undertake individual risk assessments for their schools that will be used to inform the planning for the reopening of settings for reception, year one and year six pupils.

“As part of this planning we are addressing a range of concerns raised by headteachers and are liaising closely with the Department of Education so they are fully sighted on the issues that affect the children and families of Bradford district.”

The council said it understood that parents wanted clarity on when schools can reopen, adding: “Keeping pupils, staff and their families safe is our top priority as we try to support schools.”

Michael Thorp, chief executive of Pennine Academies Yorkshire, confirmed that schools under its banner were planning to widen their opening to offer places for children in reception, year one, and year six, beyond the current group of vulnerable children and children of key workers.

The group’s schools in the Bradford district include Laycock Primary School.

Mr Thorp said: “We are planning to widen school opening carefully and this will be based on consultation with our parents and carers and will be based on risk assessment to help ensure the safety of all.

“Any widened school opening is dependant on government determining that the five tests it has laid out have been met and that it is safe to take this approach.”

The Government document also outlines that secondary schools and further education colleges should prepare to begin “some” face-to-face contact with year 10 and 12 pupils, who have key exams next year.

This will be in support of their continued remote, home learning.

The document also states: “The Government’s ambition is for all primary school children to return to school before the summer for a month if feasible, though this will be kept under review.”