It’s that time of year again when schools and Parliament return after the summer break. This year is unlike any other, the return to school has been understandably more anxious for teachers, parents and students with Coronavirus.
Getting the next generation back to school is crucial for the wellbeing of children. A recent analysis from Public Health England (PHE) concluded that the risks of continued suspension of education far outweigh the risks from the virus. The Government are working closely with schools and colleges to ensure that the return is as safe as possible with new guidance issued and special measure like minimising contacts between groups of children, encouraging regular handwashing, and enhanced cleaning.
Of course, everyone in school will be able to access testing if symptoms arise, and in the eventuality of a positive result, a local Public Health Protection Team is on standby to offer support and advice.
I fully appreciate this is an anxious time for every parent, and I want to reassure them that this process is being closely monitored by the local council and the Government, both of whom are constantly reviewing the situation on the ground.
I want to also thank heads and teachers in our brilliant schools, college and university for all their hard work to safeguard every child and student in their care. I wish everyone the best of luck for the new term ahead.
Last Friday we had the Chichester Climate Change Conference. The event was the first time we’ve brought together key stakeholders responsible for improving our environment and tackling climate change with both councils, the Environment Agency, SDNPA and Harbour Conservancy, all taking part. The discussions were locally focused and covered some of the key climate and environmental concerns people have, including water quality in the harbour, planned development on the coastal plain, the rural bus network, and even the pop-up cycle lanes. I was hugely impressed by the work that is ongoing at every level of our community, and we are hoping to develop this collaboration moving forward. If you missed the conference a full video of the event is on my website and I encourage you to check it out: www.gilliankeegan.com/news/climate-change-conference-2020 - apologies for my poor camera quality…
