Wakefield Council issues new advice to parents as students prepare for return to school

Wakefield Council has issued advice and guidance to parents as thousands of pupils prepare to return to school for the first time in almost six months.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Schools across the district will begin to reopen from next Monday, but the council have warned that new guidelines about face coverings on public transport may make the journey to school very different for some.

New public transport timetables may also be in effect for some.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Coun Margaret Isherwood, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for children and young people, said: “It’s a really exciting time for children and young people across our district as they return to school but we must all remember to follow the Government guidelines to help control the spread of coronavirus.

Wakefield Council has issued advice and guidance to parents as thousands of pupils prepare to return to school for the first time in almost six months.Wakefield Council has issued advice and guidance to parents as thousands of pupils prepare to return to school for the first time in almost six months.
Wakefield Council has issued advice and guidance to parents as thousands of pupils prepare to return to school for the first time in almost six months.

“Many schools will have their own social distancing policies in place, so I ask you to be patient and follow instructions from staff, as this is new to everyone.

“I would also ask residents to please avoid travelling during peak school times if you can.

“We are doing everything we can to keep everyone safe and if we all work together and follow the rules, our children and young people will look forward to getting back into the classroom.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Under current government guidelines, children aged 11 and over will be required to wear masks on buses, or while travelling in taxis or car shares, unless exempt for medical reasons.

Cashless payments are encouraged wherever possible, and frequent handwashing will be encouraged.

While waiting for the bus, students will be required to social distance, but West Yorkshire Metro has confirmed that social distancing will not be in place on school bus services.

In a statement on their website, they said: "To provide some separation of year groups, older students are encouraged to travel on the top deck of double deck buses or towards the back of single deck buses and coaches, leaving the remaining seats for younger students.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"On some school services, a small number of students may be required to stand."

But Wakefield Council is encouraging families to walk, cycle or scoot to school wherever possible.

Coun Jack Hemingway, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for climate change, said: “Now is a fantastic time to get children and young people walking or cycling to school.

“As capacity is reduced on public transport, we want to make sure there is space available for those who really need to use it but we also don’t want to increase the number of cars on the roads.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Walking to school is the perfect opportunity to spend some quality time with your family, while also being so much better for the environment and saving you money.”

More information and advice is available on the Wakefield Council website.

Alternatively, visit the West Yorkshire Metro website for further information about school bus operations.