Wolfson Hillel acts as educational hub during virus crisis

Jewish schools are staying open intermittently during the coronavirus lockdown and the number of children of critical workers varies drastically, Jewish educators have said.

Coordination efforts are being led by umbrella body Partnerships for Jewish Schools (PaJeS), which said “the situation regarding how many schools are open and number of children is very fluid and changes from day to day”.

A spokeswoman said: “There have been some cases where a particular school may have expected the day before that they need provision for ten children of key workers and by 10pm the night before that number is down to one.

“This can be due to children developing symptoms, family members developing symptoms [meaning they must all isolate] or one parent working from home.”

Wolfson Hillel Primary School is acting as a hub for schools that are part of the Jewish Community Academy Trust, which also includes Rimon Jewish Primary School, Sacks Morasha Jewish Primary School, Moriah Jewish Primary School and Hertsmere Jewish Primary School.

“Other schools have opened on some days but not every day, and the numbers can be as low as three or four children,” she said.

“Some children need provision only for two or three days per week. When a school has only required support for one or two children, in some cases those children have been able to go to another school that is open and has capacity.

“It is possible that after Pesach numbers may be more stable and a clearer picture of support and provision requirements will emerge. We are going to ask schools to estimate their post-Pesach requirements if they can.”