South Tyneside families have their say on children returning to school after coronavirus lockdown

Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to address the nation on Sunday, May 10 and reveal more information about ‘the new normal’ and how things will reopen following weeks of lockdown restrictions.

In our Facebook poll, we asked: “Are you ready to send your children back to school in June if that is the guidance when lockdown measures are eased?”

At time of writing, 71% of 900 voters answered no.

Some parents raised concerns about children and staff being at risk – while others raised the issue of impact on children’s mental health if they continue to remain at home.

Here’s what you had to say on the Shields Gazette Facebook page:

Margaret Davies: “Healthcare workers dying and next will be teachers, support staff, cooks etc. We haven't any PPE.”

Gill Jobe: “No way. Far too early for mass gatherings. Prepare for a second, even worse, wave if that is what you plan to do, and leave kids out of it.”

Leeanne Yannetta: “Absolutely not! It's not safe children shouldn't be put at risk neither should the staff that have to care for the children.”

Charlotte Craigie: “Not until it's 100% safe to do so! Until then, sorry but no.”

Bell Ashley Vicki: “I don't see the point. For the sake of a month and a half, for them to be off for six weeks. Not ready to send kids back, too soon after this coronavirus.”

Ryan Smith: “Everyone listened when the Government said shut them but no one listening when thay say it's okay to go back.”

Angie Penn: “I’m saying yes if it’s safe! My kids are bored! Mental health is gonna suffer if we don’t get out soon.”

Claire Carr: “No way ... there’s not enough staff for all the kids to social distance and the school buildings won’t be sterilized to stop infection spreading.”

Chris Barclay: “I still think its too early for large groups. I'll be happy with my kids going back in September.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world.

But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.

How to subscribe to the print edition:

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of.

Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.