SOME primary schools have decided to keep their classrooms closed, despite Boris Johnson's assurance that they are safe.

Schools across East Lancashire have ignored Government advice, with teachers following advice from unions advising them not to return to the classroom as the spread of Covid-19 is said to be out of control.

Concerns were raised by teaching unions about children returning to the classroom across the rest of the country after the government decided to close primary schools in the capital for a fortnight, leaving people asking why this has happened in tier 4 London but not tier 4 Lancashire.

UPDATE: EAST LANCASHIRE SCHOOLS TO CLOSE AS COUNTRY PLACED UNDER LOCKDOWN

In Blackburn with Darwen, Holy Trinity C of E Primary School, Lammack Primary School, Holy Souls RC Primary School and Audley Community Junior School were closed yesterday to all children except those of key workers.

Heasandford School and St Mary's RC Primary School, both based in Burnley, were also closed in response to union advice.

St Antony's R.C Primary, Longshaw Community Junior School, and Intack Primary School in Blackburn will be open on a partial return, with some pupils learning from home and some attending school.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's Executive Member for Children and Education, Cllr Julie Gunn said: "I fully support schools who cannot reopen for all pupils and would like the PM to take the decision to move schools to the contingency framework so that school leaders can focus on delivering online learning for all but vulnerable children and the children of key workers.

"I, like teachers and school leaders know that children are better off in school whenever possible, so the decision is always going to be difficult because we all have the interests of children at heart.

"However, taking these steps now may help to prevent the cases escalating and in the longer term may lead to less school time lost.

"Government has made it clear that the decision to move to the contingency framework is to be made by the DfES, but they are reluctant to do that.

"We need to do everything that we can to protect our children, school staff and the wider community.

"To be honest, this is another example of the PM taking a decision too late. So that when he does decide the action required is more stringent and then needs to be in place for longer to have the effect needed."

Unions have called for the reopening of schools for only vulnerable children and children of key workers, with other learning to move online while measures are reviewed.