PARENTS in Bolton are being asked whether they will send their child to primary school after half-term ­— as a snap poll by The Bolton News revealed 72 per cent would not feel comfortable about their youngsters attending class.

The Government announced this week that schools should open to reception, Year One and Year Six children in June.

The council's education chiefs are contacting parents to gauge how many children will return ­— as schools draw up plans to reopen to the specific year groups. These include putting in place social distancing measures and access to personal, protective equipment (PPE).

And the executive headteacher of an outstanding primary school has moved to reassure parents that his school would only open to more children when it was safe to do so.

Martin Johnson, of Sacred Heart RC Primary School in Westhoughton, said: "The Government has put out new guidance and it is an ambition to open in June.

"My understanding is that schools should only open if it is safe to do so.

"The school, along with others in the cluster, with the local education authority is working hard so we are able to open schools safely.

"We are mindful that the covid-19 peaks at different times in different areas and that it affects people in uniquely different ways.

"I totally understand the concerns of the teaching unions, I am a member of the National Education Union, and this is why we are taking a measured approach to ensure as far as it is possible that everybody is safe in schools."

Mr Johnson, who is also the CEO of St Teresa of Calcutta Roman Catholic Multi-Academy Trust added: "We have PPE in school and all next week the site managers will be in, ensuring children can social distance by removing surplus furniture and equipment and we can have at most up to 15 in a class, in line with Government guidelines.

"The local authority has developed a survey for parents to see who will be sending their children to school, that is the first thing we need to know.

"There will be no fines for those who do not send their children to school. Our teachers will continue to prepare lessons for those who want to continue to learn at home, we already have seven more weeks worth of lesson plans."

He added: "It should be remembered that schools have not been shut and have remained open for children of key workers, teachers have worked extremely hard through this challenging period — teaching children at home and keeping in touch with them.

"Some of the work the children have been producing has been incredible and the parents have been amazing in supporting the children with home learning, which would have its own challenges for them."

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said:

“Schools in Bolton have remained open for vulnerable children and children of keyworkers during the crisis.

“Staff in schools have been working incredibly hard to support children in Bolton including during school holidays.

“We are working with headteachers and unions to develop an approach in Bolton to ensure more staff and children return to school safely over the coming weeks.

“June 1st is an indicative date and schools will make decisions in discussion with their governing bodies and in consultation with parents.

“As always, the council is putting the safety of staff and children first.”