'I wouldn't want my child getting cold': Wakefield schools urged to relax uniform rules this winter to keep kids warm

The local authority's education chief said she was concerned about the impact keeping classroom windows open will have on pupils.

The government has told schools to keep their windows open to help ventilate rooms and reduce the spread of Covid.

Online Department of Education guidance says that in cooler weather, "Windows should be opened just enough to provide constant background ventilation, and opened more fully during breaks to purge the air in the space."

Although some local schools have strict uniform policies, Councillor Margaret Isherwood said she would encourage head teachers to ditch these and allow pupils to wear warmer clothes on account of the pandemic.

Speaking on a Q&A podcast run by the local authority, Coun Isherwood said she agreed with a member of the public who suggested rules be relaxed.

"I had this raised at another meeting I attended a few days ago," she said.

"The advice is to keep the classroom well ventilated which is to prevent the spread of the disease.

"Certainly I take on board the worries people have.

"I wouldn't want my child sat getting cold and I don't think being cold is conducive with good learning.

"Me speaking personally, I will be pursuing this and seeing if we can encourage schools to relax their uniform policy.

"We need to make sure children keep warm during the winter months."

Local Democracy Reporting Service