Wiltshire Council has written to schools across the county in regards to their reopening plans.

In the past few days, there has been mounting pressure on the government to delay the reopening of primary schools following the ever-increasing number of coronavirus cases and deaths across the country.

Teachers unions have been urging staff to keep schools closed. However, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told BBC's Andrew Marr yesterday (January 3) that there is no doubt in his mind that schools are "safe".

A number of councils in England have intervened to ask schools to remain closed despite the PM's message.

A primary school in Tidworth has had to stay shut today (January 4) due to "insufficient staff available".

Wiltshire Council, in a letter to schools, said headteachers and governing bodies are "best placed" to manage the return of pupils. 

Their plans will be supported by the council, it said.

Wiltshire Council's full letter

In a letter to headteacher and chair of governors sent out on Sunday, the leader of Wiltshire Council, Cllr Philip Whitehead said: "I would like to thank you and all your staff for the way you have responded over the last four months, by keeping your school open for all pupils. You have all, collectively, played an essential part in the COVID-19 response.

"You will be aware that following the Government's announcement on 30 December 2020, Wiltshire Council local authority moved to the Government's COVID-19 tier 3 'very high alert' category from Thursday, 31 December. The details of this tier can be found on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tier3-very-high-alert.

"The safety of all school communities in Wiltshire is of paramount concern. Whilst it is clearly important for pupils to continue their education, it remains the council’s responsibility to work with you to ensure that this is done in such a way that we minimise the risks to the school community.

"I consider that headteachers and governing bodies are best placed to manage the return to school in January in-line with the current DfE guidance. The council will support your plans to provide for your school community from January 2021 onwards."