LANCASHIRE County Council has recommended that primary schools stay open despite teachers and parents' fears about coronavirus infection rates.

This comes after both the NEU and NASUWT teaching unions said that they believe primary schools across England should move to online learning.

However, Councillor Phillippa Williamson, cabinet member for schools, has said that the authority will not be advocating this course of action.

She said: "Clearly the best place for children is in school, not just for their education but for their social, mental and physical wellbeing. Having looked at the infection rates in Lancashire and following advice from our public health experts, we are not advocating a blanket closure of primary schools across Lancashire at this time.

"The ultimate decision on whether to open remains with each individual school. Each of those schools knows their own circumstances best, and we will support them to help make the right decision for their pupils and staff."

This decision has been backed by Lancashire director of public health and wellbeing Dr Sakthi Karunanithi.

He said: "Although infection rates are on the rise in Lancashire, we are not in the same situation as London and the South East of England where the new variant has really taken hold.

"That means that we can and should encourage schools to stay open where they can. Clearly this is a fast-moving situation and must be kept under constant review, both locally and by government."

Opposition councillors however, have voiced support for the unions' call, with Labour group leader Azhar Ali saying that he believed schools shut be temporarily shut.

Secondary schools have for the most part switched to remote learning this week in Lancashire so, the Government says, a daily testing regime can be set up.