The Fallibroome Trust which runs nine schools – including five in Macclesfield - has unveiled plans for the return of the first tranche of pupils next month.

But trust CEO Peter Rubery acknowledges that while measures are designed to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection it can not be eliminated and parents and colleagues "will make their own judgement about the acceptance of risk".

He also explains that, in line with Cheshire East Council recommendations, the phased reopening of the trust's schools will not start until 15 June.

The plans apply to four of the trusts Macclesfield primary and nursery schools; Broken Cross Academy and Nursery, Marlborough Primary School, Whirley Primary School and Upton Priory.

In a letter to parents, governors, staff and students Mr Rubery writes: "In common with the local authority recommendations we are working towards a phased response, starting on 15 June.

Mr Rubery lays out the proposed timeline as follows:

• A Trust risk assessment and school-specific implementation plans will be completed by 19th May.
• Heads will inform staff of the plans and ask for comments in the following week.
• Implementation plans and staff comments will be considered by the Board of Trustees on 21st
• If approved our Heads will present plans to Governors and Parents over the following week and ask for comments.
• The Prime Minister will confirm the Government's position on Thursday 28th
• Trustees will meet to confirm their decision on Friday 29th May; if we have agreement to progress.
• Headteachers will inform parents which children, in which order, will return to school on a phased basis from 15th This slight delay will ensure we have adequate planning time in light of any changes to the guidance.

Mr Rubery went onto say: "Parents and staff will be aware that the only point of agreement among all parties is that strict social distancing is impossible in schools.

"Our implementation plans are therefore designed to reduce the risk of infection but cannot remove it.

"In such circumstances parents and colleagues will make their own judgement about the acceptance of risk."

The Government is aiming for a gradual reopening of primary schools starting with reception, Year 1 and Year 6 on 1 June, although this is not yet a fixed date.

Mr Rubery stressed that the governments timetable is only applicable when the five tests set has been met, which includes a 'sustained and consistent drop' in the daily death rate and making sure the NHS can cope.

Mr Rubery wrote: "This is a complex matter, driven by the competing priorities of health, education and the economy."

He added that the trust has been trying to make sense of "contradictory Department for Education guidance and scientific advice" and have been working to find their own position.

"This crisis has brought disruption, anxiety and hardship," Mr Rubery wrote, adding that there would be no "easy solutions" to meet the challenges faced.

Update: The Fallibroome Trust has amended the dates of their phased reopening from 8th to 15th June in line with Cheshire East Council's announcement.