BLACKBURN with Darwen Borough Council has issued new advice to key workers, saying that they should home school children wherever possible.

In a letter to parents signed by director of children's services and education Jayne Ivory, executive member for children's services and education Councillor Julie Gunn and head of education services Joanne Siddle, the authority said that the policy could be essential to helping reduce coronavirus transmission rates.

Though schools have been continuing to provide classes for the children of those classified as key workers, the council believes more needs to be done to prevent the spread of infections.

The statement said: "Schools have been working hard to establish which families require a critical worker status place.

"We would like to remind parents the Department of Education have advised schools parents and carers who are critical workers should keep their children at home if they can.

"With this in mind we do ask parents and carers who do fall into the category of critical workers to consider whether it is necessary for your child to attend school.

"As you know the purpose of the national lockdown is to reduce the overall number of social contacts in our community.

"Central government have resisted restrictions on attendance at schools since the first lockdown but, in the face of the rapidly rising numbers of cases across the country and intense pressure on the NHS, we now need to use every lever at our disposal to reduce all our social contacts wherever possible.

"Therefore if you are able to support your child to learn at home we would encourage this so that we can collectively reduce the transmission rates of this virus."

As such all key workers who are able to home school their children are advised to do so.

The statement said: "We know it is not easy for families who have children and young people working from home but together we will get through this."

To find out more, go to: https://www.blackburn.gov.uk/coronavirus.