A local school sent an emotive email to parents highlighting the dilemma that schools are facing due to the covid pandemic.
The reopening of schools in 'contingency areas', including Milton Keynes, have been delayed due to a spike in coronavirus transmission.
Children at primary and secondary schools across the city will be learning remotely for at least the first two weeks of term.
There are exceptions, including those who are in exam years and have key worker parents, but the vast majority of students will remain at home until the 18th January.
Across the border in neighbouring Northamptonshire, it is a slightly different story. Just like in Milton Keynes, and other areas of the country, secondary schools in Northamptonshire must open later on in the month.
But because the county not in a 'contingency area', primary schools are expected to reopen as normal today (4/1).
This has led to some confusion amongst parents in villages surrounding Milton Keynes, which are technically classed as Northamptonshire (Tier 4) but are just a stone's throw away from our city (Tier 4 and 'contingency area').
One particular primary school in Deanshanger, Northamptonshire, has taken a stand against current guidance and decided not to reopen as planned.
Deanshanger Primary School sent an emotive email to parents explaining their decision, further highlighting the true dilemma that educational settings across the country are facing.
The school addressed the "extremely concerning" situation surrounding coronavirus transmission both locally and nationally and discussed how the circumstances have "heightened" over the Christmas break.
Rachel Rice, Headteacher, and David Aaronson, Chair of Governors, both wrote the email and reminded parents of the school's responsibility. They said: "As educators, we understand the importance of creating a 'safe' environment for children to learn in and we take this responsibility extremely seriously, but not to the detriment of our own health and well-being and to that of your children. Without vaccinations for school staff many feel extremely vulnerable. In communications with you [the parents], we recognise that many of you feel the same."
Many education unions representing teaching staff, including GMB and UNISON, have said that children returning to school could "fuel" the pandemic and that staff should be given "priority access" to vaccinations.
During a meeting held by Deanshanger Primary School's Governing Body, the leaders established they share the unions' concerns and ultimately agreed the school "cannot open in the regular way".
This means that from Tuesday (5/1), pupils - aside from key worker's children - will be taught remotely for two weeks, with the situation being reviewed on Friday 16th January.
The school will continue operating remotely until "the evidence points to the school being a safe environment for everyone" and they have the "staffing model" to support pupils.
Deanshanger Primary School signed off the email saying: "We appreciate the challenges this will present and know that this will cause real difficulties for some of you, but sincerely hope you will understand the reasons for the choices that have had to be made."
