More than 1,000 people have said they will not be sending their children back to school next month, despite Government pressure to do so.

A poll carried out by the Gazette over the weekend asked parents whether they would let their kids go back to school on June 1. Earlier this month, the Prime Minister set out his roadmap on how lockdown measures, first implemented in March, will be eased. This included a controversial plan that pupils in Years R, 1 and 6 will return to school on June 1.

Nearly 2,000 people have taken part in the Facebook poll so far which simply has "yes" and "no" answers available, and the consensus is overwhelming.

As of publishing, 531 people voted "yes" whereas more than 1,300 voted "no". This resulted in a 29% to 71% split.

Basingstoke Gazette:

Comments on the poll included:

  • Glad it isn’t just me thinking it’s too soon and my kids won’t be guinea pigs for the government
  • I think it's too soon, not just for the children, I don't think the schools are fully prepared
  • Just a bit puzzled as to what the rush is

The news comes after the Gazette reported how Hampshire County Council said no decision had yet been made on whether students would be sent back to school on June 1.

Councillor Roz Chadd, HCC executive member for education and skills, said: "Hampshire schools have been open for vulnerable children and the children of keyworkers throughout the Covid-19 crisis and we thank the teachers and support staff for all that they have done.

"The Prime Minister has set an ambition for schools to further partially re-open to specific year groups on 1 June 2020.

"The final decision to do this will be made by the Government and will be based upon an analysis of scientific advice, nearer to that date."