MP Rachel Maclean has written to the Secretary of State for Education after Redditch parents raised concerns about plans for children to return to school.

This follows the Government's announcement that Reception, year 1 and year 6 children should return to school following the May-half term amid the coronavirus crisis.

In a letter to Gavin Williamson, the Redditch MP highlighted the "unique circumstances of Redditch's three-tier system" and asked the department to review to decision and allow year 4 children and year 8 children to return to school next month.

She said: “As we move forward following the roadmap the Prime Minister has laid out, I need to raise with you the unique circumstances of the three-tier school system in Redditch which I know you are aware of from our previous conversations.

"As you guidance to schools sets out, it is the Government’s intention to ask schools to welcome back children in nursery, Reception, year 1 and year 6 from June 1st, provided that the five key tests set by Government justify the changes at the time, including that the rate of the infection is decreasing.

“For most of the country, children remain at primary school until year 6. However, most children in Redditch leave first school in year 4 and continue their primary education, in years 5 and 6, at middle school.

“A number of parents in Redditch have written to me about their concerns that their children will not be prepared for the transition from year 4 to 5 and again for the transition from year 8 to year 9 as under the current guidance they will not be returning to school from June 1st.

“Therefore, due to the unique circumstances of Redditch’s three-tier system, would your Department review the decision and allow year 4 children and year 8 children to return to school next month in order to ensure they are prepared for their transition to their new schools.

“In normal times this period in children’s lives can be stressful and unfortunately this unprecedented crisis will compound their worries if they feel unprepared for their transition to a new school.

“It would also be very useful if you could reassure my constituents, who are understandably concerned about their children returning to school, about the measures that will be taken to protect their children and how the Government’s approach is underpinned by our latest understanding of the science."

The MP thanked teachers for supporting vulnerable children of critical workers in schools that have remained open.

Before Rachel Maclean sent her letter, a spokesperson from the Department for Education said: "We expect all mainstream schools and colleges, including independent schools, to follow the same approach.

"We encourage middle schools to do the same and welcome back children in year 6, to ensure national parity for children in this year group."