GE causes disruption to school festivities
The General Election has resulted in an unexpected side effect for many schools which will be used as polling stations, forcing them to cancel or rearrange Christmas celebrations including nativities and concerts.
Earlier this week Education Secretary Gavin Williamson issued a call to keep disruption to a minimum, and to avoid using schools where possible, a move that was supported by Head Teachers.
However, the Association of Electoral Administrators has defended its actions as venues had to be booked urgently once the election had been called.
The DfE has offered funding to help find alternative venues, which has been dubbed ‘the Grinch fund’. Reports show that some councils are taking up this offer to avoid disrupting pre-planned events.
The Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) has said there needs to be future consideration about whether schools are appropriate venues.