Council leader's statement on whether Luton primary schools will open on January 4

In addition, parents will not face fines if they choose to keep their child away from school for the time being.

Latest data shows 331 new instances of coronavirus have been confirmed in Luton over the weekend (see here).

Luton North MP Sarah Owen and Luton South MP Rachel Hopkins have both taken to social media to criticise the government decision to reopen primary schools tomorrow.

In a public statement, Cllr Hazel Simmons, leader of Luton Borough Council, revealed that all headteachers in Luton had been contacted today (Sunday) and given the choice to make decisions based upon their individual risk assessments.

Cllr Simmons stated: "On Saturday, January 2, I wrote, with Luton’s two MPs, to the Secretary of State for Education, requesting that urgent reconsideration be given to the national decision that primary schools in Luton should reopen on Monday morning.

"While all of our schools have excellent Covid control measures in place which have kept our pupils safe, and prevented any large outbreaks in our schools since they reopened in September, we recognise that there is some concern within our community, particularly after the government ordered primary schools in some London boroughs with cases lower than Luton to remain closed.

"The government has indicated it will consider our request this week.

"As such, we have written to all primary school headteachers in Luton today outlining our full support for any decision they make this week, based on their individual risk assessments and likely staffing levels given the advice that has been issued to its members by the NEU. We will be working with schools to help them assess their staffing position.

"Further information is available from individual schools.

"Whatever decision is made by individual schools, all schools will be open this week for vulnerable children and children of key workers.

"We recognise the importance of maintaining education and within our letter to the Secretary of State we have also requested assistance to tackle digital poverty in our town.

"Finally, I can confirm that there will be no fines in Luton at present for any parents who choose to keep their child at home."