The leader of Hampshire County Council has responded to concerns from parents and teachers over primary schools reopening.

Councillor Keith Mans in a statement released yesterday said he was contacting the Secretary of State for Education regarding the concerns of parents and teachers over Covid-19 measures.

Cllr Mans said: “I am aware that some parents are worried about whether to send their children back into primary schools tomorrow and I can fully understand these anxieties, with Hampshire currently in Tier 4.

"There is also significant media focus on rising rates of infection nationally - and for us locally in Rushmoor, as well as the wider county as a whole.

“The competing and growing concerns about whether to open or close schools are clearly evident, and the need to strike a balance between the physical and mental well-being of pupils when they do not attend school and the continued spread of the virus. We understand the Government’s exceptionally difficult decisions in this regard – which are based on wider ranges of information than these increasing rates.

“Hampshire’s early years providers and countywide family of schools are continuing to work hard to keep Hampshire’s pupils, teachers and school staff safe, by implementing appropriate measures to help prevent the spread of infections when they are in school.

“We are extremely grateful for all the work that is being undertaken, and I am aware that many staff will have worked over the Christmas period to ensure that measures remain in place and adhere to the latest national guidance.”