Wandsworth Council have said they want to reassure parents that they are committed to a safe reopening of schools in January.

This comes following the news in December that schools in London will not be returning as scheduled.

Only vulnerable children and the children of key workers are able to return to school today (4th January).

Cabinet Member for Education and Schools Will Sweet said: "We were already prepared for a normal reopening before this latest Government announcement, so we will be able to hit the ground running.

"Our focus is on ensuring the testing system works well and that schools have the information they need to make clear and consistent decisions around the management of positive cases.

"We believe it's vital that children can return to school and receive the best possible education. That's why we're doing all we can to support them so that parents can be reassured that their children are completely safe."

Testing in schools

The council says they will now support schools to roll-out the testing of pupils, initially in secondary schools.

This includes allocating dedicated staff to ensure the testing system works.

Wandsworth Council has two school infection control and prevention workers to advise different schools.

Staff from the council's public health department will be visiting secondary schools to ensure they have the right equipment.

Council staff will also train schools on giving tests and using PPE.

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