Emails sent to Surrey County Council and Ed Davey on January School re-opening

Email from Councillor Chris Bateson to Julie Iles OBE, Surrey County Council, Cabinet Member for All-Age Learning

Date: 3 January 2020

Subject: Surrey Schools return

Good afternoon

I am writing in a similar vein to my fellow councillor Tom Fidler from Sunbury, concerning the imminent return to school of schoolchildren tomorrow. Whilst the situation is of immense concern in Sunbury, similar circumstances prevail here in Ashford and Staines.

The infection rate here in Spelthorne is higher than the neighbouring London Boroughs of Hounslow and Richmond. However as things stand their schools will not return for another two weeks, whilst ours here in Spelthorne do so tomorrow.

I have been contacted by at least one Headmistress, who is deeply concerned that by her school opening it will contribute to the spread of the virus. She is deeply concerned both for her pupils and her staff.

We all collectively need to support our schools at this very difficult time given the intense pressure they are under. I believe there is compelling evidence that our schools should not re open at the current time and at least until there are clear signs that the infection rate lowers and is sustained.

I hope in your position of influence you can bring pressure to bear for the situation concerning schools in Surrey to be reviewed

Many thanks

Cllr Chris Bateson

Staines South Ward

Spelthorne Borough Council

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Email from Chris Bateson to Ed Davey, Leader, Liberal Democrats

Date: 4 January 2010

Subject: Surrey Schools return and further action

Good afternoon Ed

The situation concerning the mixed messages and actions being taken by the Government is of deep concern throughout the country. Non more so than here in Surrey.

Despite many Surrey District Councils have higher infection rates than most London Boroughs, including my own Borough Spelthorne, schools in Surrey were forced to re open today whilst those in London remained closed.

On the basis of the evidence available this just simply does not make sense. As a local Councillor I have been contacted by several School Heads who have deep reservations regarding the wisdom of remaining open whilst the infection rate remains so high. They are as true professionals showing concern for both their staff and their pupils.

A further point is that given the spreading of the virus through contact at school, it is vital that teaching staff are prioritised for being vaccinated. They are in my view key workers and should be treated as such.

Making this happen can allay fears and thus a full return to school can happen sooner rather than later.

I hope you can apply pressure on the Government to urgently review where we are going with the policy on schools

With very best wishes

Chris Bateson

Liberal Democrat Councillor

Staines South Ward

Spelthorne Borough Council