SCHOOLS which say they can reopen safely will be supported by the council to do so despite the rise in the reinfection rate in the region.

The local authority has said it will “respect headteachers” who are confident that they can operate safely with more pupils in Reception, Years One and Six.

This comes as several schools across the borough delayed plans to partially reopen due to concerns over the coronavirus infection rate rising in the region.

Last minute letters were sent out to parents following the news on Friday that the ‘R’ number in the North West is now 1.01 – the highest in England.

Sacred Heart RC in Westhoughton, St Bede’s Academy in Morris Green, Tonge Moor, St Teresa’s in Little Lever and St Gregory’s RC have all confirmed they will remain closed other than for vulnerable children and those of key workers.

But Bolton Council’s executive cabinet member for children’s services Cllr Anne Galloway said the local authority will support those which do reopen.

She said: “We remain committed to supporting headteachers and governing bodies as they put plans in place and make decisions on what is best for their individual school communities.

“Discussions with schools and unions have continually been taking place throughout lockdown.

“The ‘R’ number is just one of the government’s considerations when easing lockdown measures.

“’R’ values are not published for local areas as they are not robust at this level.

“However, the council is using a range of measures to monitor COVID-19 in Bolton including numbers of confirmed case and admissions to hospital.

“Decisions on extending opening of schools are based on a number of considerations including the risk assessments undertaken by schools as part of their preparations to re-open.

“From the beginning of lockdown, schools remained open for a number of vulnerable and key worker’s children.

“During this time, schools were able to put in place a range of interventions and measures so that children and staff could socially distance, ensure good hand hygiene and adhere to guidance whilst within a teaching environment.

“Positive feedback has shown that the plans put in place for these children were robust.

“Where schools are confident that they can operate safely in welcoming more pupils in Reception, Years One and Six, then they will be supported.

“We will respect headteachers who feel confident they can operate safely while increasing numbers, but equally respect those heads who feel they can’t.

“Safety of staff and children and the wider community remain our top priority. We will continue to monitor the situation, both locally and nationally, and keep in regular contact with all schools.”