THE largest union representing school support staff across Herefordshire is to challenge directors of education about any phased re-opening plans.

UNISON believe that plans for a return to school for pupils from June is 'unrealistic'.

The union says that they will be making their position 'clear' to Directors of Education (DfE) in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, and to school's leaders and employers across the two counties.

"Safety for staff and pupils has to be the number one priority," said UNISON regional organiser, Steve Akers.

"Yet the DfE guidance has a number of holes, and the Government has neither met unions' safety tests or its own. That's why the beginning of June for re-opening is unrealistic.

"Questions remain around the capacity for schools to be able to fully test, trace and isolate children and school staff regarding the virus.

"Many support staff come from backgrounds that put them at greater risk if they're infected with Covid - 19.

"Workers including teaching assistants, cleaners, receptionists, clerical staff, caretakers, school meals staff and the whole schools community must not be put in danger just because this Government is in a hurry to get schools running again.

"When the national infection rate for Covid-19 is again increasing, it is too early for a wider re-opening.

"UNISON is also concerned that the guidance encourages schools to use support staff to fill gaps if teaching colleagues aren't there. Whilst more senior teaching assistants can do this, there is a danger that others could be exploited."