inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus lockdown: Newham Mayor warns against 'one size fits all' loosening of restrictions in wo

Coronavirus lockdown: Newham Mayor warns against 'one size fits all' loosening of restrictions in worst hit areas

Coronavirus lockdown : Newham Mayor warns against 'one size fits all ' loosening of restrictions in worst hit areas ONS figures show people living in most deprived parts of England are dying at nearly double the rate as those in least deprived areas Rokhsana Fiaz , mayor of Newham , told Sky News on Tuesday that places such as her borough and nearby Brent and Hackney are concerned about the risks to the lifting of lockdown restrictions , which should be done in `` a way that is reflective and responsive of the local context '' .
Figures released on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ showed that people living in some of the most deprived parts of England are dying at rate of nearly double those living in the least deprived areas .
Newham is the worst affected in the country , experiencing 144.3 deaths per 100,000 population .
Ms Fiaz said this should be taken into account , along with the 11 other London local authorities areas , which have been gravely affected by the Virus .
'We can not be exposed to one size fits all strategy' The Labour mayor said that in her area the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Covid-19 are `` very high '' , adding : `` We can not be exposed to one size fits all strategy when it comes to the loosening of restrictions that we are anticipating the Government to be announcing on Sunday '' .
She said that the lifting of lockdown restrictions `` is something that many communities up and down the country , not just in Newham , are eagerly awaiting - but we are all concerned about ensuring that in places such as Newham , alongside all of those that are deprived in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was published last Friday , that the easing of lockdown restrictions are done in a way that is reflective and responsive of the local context '' .
The data released on Friday indicated that for those deaths involving Covid-19 that took place between March 1 and April 17 , the mortality rate in the most deprived areas was 55.1 deaths per 100,000 population .
By contrast , the rate was 25.3 deaths per 100,000 in the least deprived areas .
David Finch , senior fellow at the Health Foundation , said : `` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ live in cramped housing conditions and many are now classified as essential workers who do n't have the option of working from home , placing them at higher risk of exposure to Covid-19 .
`` People living in more deprived areas are also more likely to have one or more long-term health conditions , which means they are at greater risk of suffering severe symptoms from the virus if exposed . ''
'This just is not right' Buildings at the Canary Wharf financial district are seen in the background from a high street @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images ) Helen Barnard , acting director at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation , said : `` It 's crucial that all aspects of the spread of this virus are carefully examined , but we know that people in more deprived areas are less likely to have jobs where they can work from home .
The ONS has analysed details of the 20,283 deaths that occurred in England and Wales between March 1 and April 17 , and which were registered by April 18 , where Covid-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the underlying cause of death or a contributory factor .
Speaking at the time , Ms Fiaz said the figures were very concerning but not surprising , adding : `` We already knew that the virus does not affect all populations in the same way , with Black , Asian and Ethnic Minorities ( BAME ) already identified as particularly vulnerable , and Newham is a highly diverse borough .
`` We also face wealth inequality with 30,000 of our residents not being paid even the basic minimum wage ( much less the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a danger that this group , and other low paid and front line workers have faced greater exposure to the virus , because of the financial imperative to keep working and not socially isolate . ''

The mayor of one of London’s worst hit boroughs in the coronavirus crisis has warned against using a “one size fits all” approach to lifting lockdown restrictions.
Rokhsana Fiaz, mayor of Newham, told Sky News on Tuesday that places such as her borough and nearby Brent and Hackney are concerned about the risks to the lifting of lockdown restrictions, which should be done in “a way that is reflective and responsive of the local context”.
Figures released on Friday by the Office for National Statistics showed that people living in some of the most deprived parts of England are dying at rate of nearly double those living in the least deprived areas.
Newham is the worst affected in the country, experiencing 144.3 deaths per 100,000 population. Ms Fiaz said this should be taken into account, along with the 11 other London local authorities areas, which have been gravely affected by the Virus.
‘We cannot be exposed to one size fits all strategy’
The Labour mayor said that in her area the rates of mortality as a consequence of Covid-19 are “very high”, adding: “We cannot be exposed to one size fits all strategy when it comes to the loosening of restrictions that we are anticipating the Government to be announcing on Sunday”.
She said that the lifting of lockdown restrictions “is something that many communities up and down the country, not just in Newham, are eagerly awaiting – but we are all concerned about ensuring that in places such as Newham, alongside all of those that are deprived in light of the ONS statistical data that was published last Friday, that the easing of lockdown restrictions are done in a way that is reflective and responsive of the local context”.
The data released on Friday indicated that for those deaths involving Covid-19 that took place between March 1 and April 17, the mortality rate in the most deprived areas was 55.1 deaths per 100,000 population. By contrast, the rate was 25.3 deaths per 100,000 in the least deprived areas.
‘Worrying trend’
The analysis, also shows the Covid-19 mortality rate in the most deprived areas of England has been higher among men (76.7 deaths per 100,000 population) than women (39.6).
Nick Stripe, ONS head of health analysis, said: “General mortality rates are normally higher in more deprived areas, but so far Covid-19 appears to be taking them higher still.”
Charity leaders say the “worrying trend” reflects how deprived families are more likely to live in cramped housing, with many identified as essential workers who cannot work from home.
David Finch, senior fellow at the Health Foundation, said: “Those facing greater socio-economic disadvantage tend to live in cramped housing conditions and many are now classified as essential workers who don’t have the option of working from home, placing them at higher risk of exposure to Covid-19.
“People living in more deprived areas are also more likely to have one or more long-term health conditions, which means they are at greater risk of suffering severe symptoms from the virus if exposed.”
‘This just is not right’
Helen Barnard, acting director at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: “It’s crucial that all aspects of the spread of this virus are carefully examined, but we know that people in more deprived areas are less likely to have jobs where they can work from home.
“This means they may have to face a very significant drop in income or keep going to work, facing greater risks of catching the virus.
“They are also more likely to live in overcrowded homes, increasing the risk for whole families. This just is not right.”
The ONS has analysed details of the 20,283 deaths that occurred in England and Wales between March 1 and April 17, and which were registered by April 18, where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate as the underlying cause of death or a contributory factor.
London had the highest Covid-19 age-standardised mortality rate, with 85.7 deaths per 100,000 population; this was statistically significantly higher than any other region and almost double the next highest rate of 43.2 in the West Midlands.
BAME impact
Speaking at the time, Ms Fiaz said the figures were very concerning but not surprising, adding: “We already knew that the virus does not affect all populations in the same way, with Black, Asian and Ethnic Minorities (BAME) already identified as particularly vulnerable, and Newham is a highly diverse borough.
“We also know that there are issues of health inequality in our borough, with high levels of respiratory disease, diabetes and other underlying issues, which affect mortality.
“We also face wealth inequality with 30,000 of our residents not being paid even the basic minimum wage (much less the London Living Wage). There is a danger that this group, and other low paid and front line workers have faced greater exposure to the virus, because of the financial imperative to keep working and not socially isolate.”
A Government spokesman said: “Any death from this disease is a tragedy and we are working incredibly hard, day and night, to protect the nation’s public health.
“We have commissioned urgent work from Public Health England to understand the different factors that may influence the way someone is affected by this virus. We will set out full details in due course.
“We are ensuring financial support for the poorest in society by increasing Universal Credit payments and speeding up the payment of Statutory Sick pay, as well as introducing the Coronavirus job retention scheme, the Self-employment Income Support Scheme, mortgage holidays and greater protection for renters.”
Additional reporting by Press Association.


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus is exposing the health crisis within UK prisons

Coronavirus is exposing the health crisis within UK prisons I ’ m scared for prisoners being kept in a disease trap - the Ministry of Justice needs to use the pandemic as a reason to take stock As coronavirus spread through the country , the UK 's overcrowded prisons were set to become hotspots for infection .
In response , the Government promised the imminent release of up to 4000 low-risk inmates who were within two months of their release date .
This was in early April .
As of the end of April , only 33 had actually been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Five members of prison staff and 15 prisoners have contracted Covid-19 and died , while 321 further prisoners have been confirmed to have coronavirus alongside 293 staff .
Considering the rate of testing in the UK , this is likely to be a vast underestimation .
Cases are not clustering in one prison either , but are widespread throughout the UK prison population .
I ’ m scared for the prisoners being kept in a disease trap .
Prisons have poor healthcare offerings at the best of times , and have trouble @ @ @ @ @ @ @ circumstances thanks to crowding and understaffing .
Imminent release of a far greater number of prisoners is crucial to prevent the virus spreading further .
How they will pull off effective social distancing in the current circumstances is beyond me - I was incarcerated as a teenager and I know it would have been impossible in the conditions I experienced .
When I was 17 , I was sentenced to a year in prison after a youthful ‘ misadventure ’ - to the tune of £20,000 of goods stolen from a luxury London @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself and fellow boys in the prison were antagonised by officers as much as by our fellow inmates .
They would use racial slurs against those of us unlucky enough to be anything other than white , and use hard physical punishments like handcuffs .
The failings of the system were deep and entrenched - and caused by a lack of interest in reforming offenders .
Prison is not a place for rehabilitation , it ’ s a place where people who often have faced huge disadvantages throughout their life are kept , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for the general population .
If prison does not care about reform - its apparent purpose - it certainly does not seem to care about the health of its inhabitants .
Prisoners are treated as sub-human , and this reluctance to protect them from Covid-19 is reflective of that .
The current crisis is the canary in the coalmine for health and prisons .
We must work to find a better solution to non-violent or petty crime than simply locking all the perpetrators into the same building and hoping that they come out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ way in the world without resorting to crime to support themselves .
This means creating opportunities for those who might be or who have been tempted by criminal activity .
We must provide offenders with the tools they need to find meaningful employment ; help them gain necessary qualifications and work alongside them as they remove themselves from often very difficult circumstances that have helped push them to crime .
More importantly , we need to create community spaces , initiatives and activities that mean there are fewer offenders in the first place @ @ @ @ @ @ @ use the current pandemic as a reason to take stock - the way many of us have when thinking about how we treat our neighbours , and each other .
A health crisis unfolding in jails , pushing an already volatile environment and a stretched care system , should be enough to prompt a reconsideration over whether we look to enact revenge upon individuals , or work with them to reform outside the walls of a prison .
Without exception , not a single leader in the UK right now , with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lives in jails , prisons and detention centres , has shown they have the courage , moral clarity or decisiveness to do what is necessary to save lives .
Now is the time for them to step up .
i approached the Ministry of Justice for a response .
A prison service spokesperson said : “ The number of young offenders in custody has fallen by over 80 per cent over the last 20 years .
We have robust and flexible plans in place to keep prisoners and staff safe , based on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are positive early signs that these are proving effective .
”

As coronavirus spread through the country, the UK’s overcrowded prisons were set to become hotspots for infection. In response, the Government promised the imminent release of up to 4000 low-risk inmates who were within two months of their release date. This was in early April. As of the end of April, only 33 had actually been released from a prison population of 81,500.
Five members of prison staff and 15 prisoners have contracted Covid-19 and died, while 321 further prisoners have been confirmed to have coronavirus alongside 293 staff. Considering the rate of testing in the UK, this is likely to be a vast underestimation. Cases are not clustering in one prison either, but are widespread throughout the UK prison population.
I’m scared for the prisoners being kept in a disease trap. Prisons have poor healthcare offerings at the best of times, and have trouble maintaining control of their populations under normal circumstances thanks to crowding and understaffing. Imminent release of a far greater number of prisoners is crucial to prevent the virus spreading further. How they will pull off effective social distancing in the current circumstances is beyond me – I was incarcerated as a teenager and I know it would have been impossible in the conditions I experienced.
When I was 17, I was sentenced to a year in prison after a youthful ‘misadventure’ – to the tune of £20,000 of goods stolen from a luxury London department store. During my sentence, myself and fellow boys in the prison were antagonised by officers as much as by our fellow inmates. They would use racial slurs against those of us unlucky enough to be anything other than white, and use hard physical punishments like handcuffs.
The failings of the system were deep and entrenched – and caused by a lack of interest in reforming offenders. Prison is not a place for rehabilitation, it’s a place where people who often have faced huge disadvantages throughout their life are kept, out of sight and out of mind for the general population. If prison does not care about reform – its apparent purpose – it certainly does not seem to care about the health of its inhabitants. Prisoners are treated as sub-human, and this reluctance to protect them from Covid-19 is reflective of that.
The current crisis is the canary in the coalmine for health and prisons. We must work to find a better solution to non-violent or petty crime than simply locking all the perpetrators into the same building and hoping that they come out with a new ability to find their way in the world without resorting to crime to support themselves.
This means creating opportunities for those who might be or who have been tempted by criminal activity. We must provide offenders with the tools they need to find meaningful employment; help them gain necessary qualifications and work alongside them as they remove themselves from often very difficult circumstances that have helped push them to crime. More importantly, we need to create community spaces, initiatives and activities that mean there are fewer offenders in the first place.
The Ministry of Justice needs to use the current pandemic as a reason to take stock – the way many of us have when thinking about how we treat our neighbours, and each other. A health crisis unfolding in jails, pushing an already volatile environment and a stretched care system, should be enough to prompt a reconsideration over whether we look to enact revenge upon individuals, or work with them to reform outside the walls of a prison.
Without exception, not a single leader in the UK right now, with the power to take transformative action to save lives in jails, prisons and detention centres, has shown they have the courage, moral clarity or decisiveness to do what is necessary to save lives. Now is the time for them to step up.
i approached the Ministry of Justice for a response. A prison service spokesperson said: “The number of young offenders in custody has fallen by over 80 per cent over the last 20 years. We have robust and flexible plans in place to keep prisoners and staff safe, based on the latest public health advice and there are positive early signs that these are proving effective.”
Ashish Prashar is a former press secretary to Boris Johnson and Board Member of Exodus Transitional Community, Getting Out and Staying Out and Leap Confronting Conflict


inews--2020-05-05--Rick and Morty season 4 episode 6 UK release date: when the new series returns on Channel 4, and wha

Rick and Morty season 4 episode 6 UK release date: when the new series returns on Channel 4, and what to expect

Rick and Morty season 4 episode 6 UK release date : when the new series returns on Channel 4 , and what to expect The first half of season four aired at the end of 2019 , and now UK fans finally have a date for the final five episiodes Rick and Morty is almost back for the second half of its fourth season ( Photo : Adult Swim ) The animated series decided to show this season in two five-episode parts , with the first half airing at the end of 2019 .
And after a four-month wait , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they can catch up with their favourite animated scientist and his sidekick again .
When is Rick and Morty season 4 back on UK TV ?
When it was announced the US would be getting the fourth episode of the season on Monday 3 May UK fans hoped there would n't be too much delay until it reached these shores .
There will be a wait , but a brief one .
The episode , titled `` Never Ricking Morty '' , will be on E4 at 10pm on Thursday 7 May .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ ' superhero suit during the trailer ( Photo : Adult Swim ) The remaining four episodes will air at the same time on the same channel every Thursday night .
They are called `` Promortyus '' , `` The Vat of Acid Episode '' , `` Childrick of Mort '' and `` Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerri '' .
Controller of E4 Karl Warner said : `` The genius of Rick and Morty is back on E4 and only a few days after the US TX , followed by the brilliant , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Big Bang 's Kaley Cuoco . ''
What can we expect ?
Creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland have been traditionally tight-lipped , but they have advised fans to rewatch season three before moving in to four .
They have also said the episodes are better when watched in order .
Roiland told Entertainment Weekly : `` Without giving anything away , we have serialised stuff we check in on now and then that ’ s sprinkled over the top of strong episodic episodes .
To fans of the show , they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order . ''
There is also a trailer for the five episodes , which shows an army of Ricks , `` unnecessarily badass '' superhero suits , Rick wrestling a giant wolf , Morty being electrocuted , Summer trying to get the pair arrested and dogs fighting in giant robot suits .

Rick and Morty season four’s return date has finally been confirmed for UK audiences.
The animated series decided to show this season in two five-episode parts, with the first half airing at the end of 2019.
And after a four-month wait, fans at last have word on when they can catch up with their favourite animated scientist and his sidekick again.
Here is everything you need to know…
When is Rick and Morty season 4 back on UK TV?
When it was announced the US would be getting the fourth episode of the season on Monday 3 May UK fans hoped there wouldn’t be too much delay until it reached these shores.
There will be a wait, but a brief one. The episode, titled “Never Ricking Morty”, will be on E4 at 10pm on Thursday 7 May.
The remaining four episodes will air at the same time on the same channel every Thursday night.
They are called “Promortyus”, “The Vat of Acid Episode”, “Childrick of Mort” and “Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerri”.
Controller of E4 Karl Warner said: “The genius of Rick and Morty is back on E4 and only a few days after the US TX, followed by the brilliant, Harley Quinn, which is voiced by Big Bang’s Kaley Cuoco.”
What can we expect?
Creators Dan Harmon and Justin Roiland have been traditionally tight-lipped, but they have advised fans to rewatch season three before moving in to four.
They have also said the episodes are better when watched in order.
Roiland told Entertainment Weekly: “Without giving anything away, we have serialised stuff we check in on now and then that’s sprinkled over the top of strong episodic episodes. To fans of the show, they’re going to want to watch them in order.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPDqQDTnJKE
There is also a trailer for the five episodes, which shows an army of Ricks, “unnecessarily badass” superhero suits, Rick wrestling a giant wolf, Morty being electrocuted, Summer trying to get the pair arrested and dogs fighting in giant robot suits.
More of the usual, then.


inews--2020-05-05--We need a volunteer frontline force to keep vulnerable children safe in lockdown

We need a volunteer frontline force to keep vulnerable children safe in lockdown I fear that the Government is taking a ‘ someone else ’ s problem ’ approach to safeguarding Last Thursday afternoon , Government announced that from Friday ( yes , you read that right – just hours later ) children with an Education , Health and Care Plan ( EHCP ) won ’ t have the right to all the provisions in their plan , due to Covid-19 .
These plans are incredibly important - they provide more than 350,000 children with special educational needs the guaranteed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or healthcare .
Each plan is tailored to the child and ensures that local authorities provide that desperately needed extra help - whether that is extra learning support , or supporting children with physical or personal care difficulties day-to-day , for example .
By scrapping the absolute legal right to these provisions with such little notice and no alternative source of support , the Government has plunged these children and their families into uncertainty .
At a time when the Government should be doing more , it is doing less .
Some will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ am deeply concerned that already under-supported children and families are going to fall through the cracks .
The Government must commit to the money and training needed to maintain standards - and with supply teachers desperate for work and retired teachers ready and able to come back to help locate and support vulnerable children , this should have been done weeks ago .
Before I was an MP , I was a teacher .
Children ’ s safeguarding has been drummed into me from years of training and experience .
The number one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspect it , report it .
Don ’ t assume it is someone else ’ s problem .
We know that only one in 10 of the children classed as vulnerable are attending schools .
I keep hearing from schools , local authorities , police forces and youth workers that they are all concerned , but I am even more worried that it is unclear who is taking the lead here .
Of course , not all vulnerable children will be better off in school than at home , but for so many @ @ @ @ @ @ @ know that they ’ re safe at all .
The Government is trying to pass the buck onto local authorities and schools , who are already incredibly overstretched .
Local authorities are crying out for more financial support and schools are saying they don ’ t have the manpower to do the frequent phone calls and home visits necessary .
Everyone is worried , everyone is doing something , but I worry that the ‘ somethings ’ do not add up to enough .
I 'm calling on Education Secretary Gavin Williamson to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ scrutiny and assure us there is a plan ( Photo : PA Wire ) That one in 10 figure relates to the children we know about .
The Children ’ s Commissioner warns that millions of children are at risk of harm at this time – the over-800,000 ‘ invisible ’ children ( those not even known to services ) she estimated there were in England before this pandemic is now likely to be far higher .
I propose a solution .
We should set up a specialised volunteer frontline force to directly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
We also need an Emergency Vulnerable Children Taskforce to be established , led by the Department for Education working alongside local authorities , headteachers , police , youth services , children ’ s charities , the Children ’ s Commissioner and other Government departments .
This taskforce will look at best practice across the country , bringing together children ’ s services groups and Local Resilience Forums to implement these recommendations as quickly as possible .
I wrote to the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Ofsted ’ s Chief Inspector to express @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ECHP plans — these changes were made before a strategy has been announced on what will be done to mitigate the new risks .
Amidst the myriad of changes made , those of particular concern include the suspension of regular twice-yearly Ofsted inspections , and the removal of the need for a social worker to visit a child in care every six weeks .
Those checks by social workers can now be done over the phone , leaving a lot of room for risks and abuses to go unnoticed and unrecorded .
Though @ @ @ @ @ @ @ still be extended by the Government , which is why I am calling on the Government to make a commitment that the removal of these vital safeguards will not be permanent .
Recent comments by Children ’ s Minister Vicky Ford to the Education Committee of MPs suggest the Government may try to do this , something they tried in 2017 before they were stopped by campaigners and charities .
Now is the time for leadership on this issue .
That 's why I 'm calling on Williamson to address the House of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is a plan and he is taking the approach I would , where safeguarding comes first .

I am deeply concerned about vulnerable children and the level of support they are receiving from the Government during this national emergency.
Last Thursday afternoon, Government announced that from Friday (yes, you read that right – just hours later) children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) won’t have the right to all the provisions in their plan, due to Covid-19.
These plans are incredibly important – they provide more than 350,000 children with special educational needs the guaranteed right to get additional support in education or healthcare. Each plan is tailored to the child and ensures that local authorities provide that desperately needed extra help – whether that is extra learning support, or supporting children with physical or personal care difficulties day-to-day, for example. By scrapping the absolute legal right to these provisions with such little notice and no alternative source of support, the Government has plunged these children and their families into uncertainty.
At a time when the Government should be doing more, it is doing less. Some will say this is pragmatic, but I am deeply concerned that already under-supported children and families are going to fall through the cracks. The Government must commit to the money and training needed to maintain standards – and with supply teachers desperate for work and retired teachers ready and able to come back to help locate and support vulnerable children, this should have been done weeks ago.
Before I was an MP, I was a teacher. Children’s safeguarding has been drummed into me from years of training and experience. The number one rule of safeguarding is: if you suspect it, report it. Don’t assume it is someone else’s problem.
Alarm bells are ringing in my head in this crisis because I fear that the Government is taking a ‘someone else’s problem’ approach to safeguarding.
We know that only one in 10 of the children classed as vulnerable are attending schools. I keep hearing from schools, local authorities, police forces and youth workers that they are all concerned, but I am even more worried that it is unclear who is taking the lead here. Of course, not all vulnerable children will be better off in school than at home, but for so many of them we just don’t know that they’re safe at all.
The Government is trying to pass the buck onto local authorities and schools, who are already incredibly overstretched. Local authorities are crying out for more financial support and schools are saying they don’t have the manpower to do the frequent phone calls and home visits necessary. Everyone is worried, everyone is doing something, but I worry that the ‘somethings’ do not add up to enough.
That one in 10 figure relates to the children we know about. The Children’s Commissioner warns that millions of children are at risk of harm at this time – the over-800,000 ‘invisible’ children (those not even known to services) she estimated there were in England before this pandemic is now likely to be far higher.
According to the Children’s Commissioner there are over 23,000 children in Oxfordshire alone in households with any of the ‘toxic trio’ risks (alcohol or substance abuse, domestic abuse and mental health problems).
But if we don’t even know who all the vulnerable children are, how can the Government possibly help them?
I propose a solution. We should set up a specialised volunteer frontline force to directly help schools identify and contact vulnerable children. We also need an Emergency Vulnerable Children Taskforce to be established, led by the Department for Education working alongside local authorities, headteachers, police, youth services, children’s charities, the Children’s Commissioner and other Government departments. This taskforce will look at best practice across the country, bringing together children’s services groups and Local Resilience Forums to implement these recommendations as quickly as possible.
I wrote to the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson and Ofsted’s Chief Inspector to express my deep concern about the changes to ECHP plans — these changes were made before a strategy has been announced on what will be done to mitigate the new risks. Amidst the myriad of changes made, those of particular concern include the suspension of regular twice-yearly Ofsted inspections, and the removal of the need for a social worker to visit a child in care every six weeks. Those checks by social workers can now be done over the phone, leaving a lot of room for risks and abuses to go unnoticed and unrecorded.
Though these changes are temporary, they can still be extended by the Government, which is why I am calling on the Government to make a commitment that the removal of these vital safeguards will not be permanent. Recent comments by Children’s Minister Vicky Ford to the Education Committee of MPs suggest the Government may try to do this, something they tried in 2017 before they were stopped by campaigners and charities.
Now is the time for leadership on this issue. That’s why I’m calling on Williamson to address the House of Commons to face scrutiny and assure us there is a plan and he is taking the approach I would, where safeguarding comes first.
This is a national emergency. We need to hear what is being done systematically to keep vulnerable children safe in these exceptional circumstances. The solutions are there – we just need the Government to be proactive.
Layla Moran is a Liberal Democrat MP


inews--2020-05-05--The A Word cast: who stars in series 3 with Christopher Eccleston, and what time it starts on BBC On

The A Word cast: who stars in series 3 with Christopher Eccleston, and what time it starts on BBC One tonight

The A Word cast : who stars in series 3 with Christopher Eccleston , and what time it starts on BBC One tonight The drama series , which follows autistic schoolboy Joe Hughes and his family , is back on the BBC , and a lot has changed The drama series , which follows autistic schoolboy Joe Hughes and his family , is back on the BBC , and a lot has changed since the end of season two .
Here is everything you need to know about the comeback ...
When is The A Word back on TV ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ will air on Tuesday 5 May at 9pm on BBC One .
As with seasons one and two there will be six episodes , which will be on at the same time weekly .
If you 've not seen the first two seasons , or fancy a refresher , the BBC has helpfully added both of them to iPlayer , where season three will also be available to watch on catch-up .
What should we expect from season three ?
If you do n't want to see spoilers for season two , look @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a sad note , with Joe 's parents Paul and Alison deciding to split up , as they feel they are living `` separate lives '' .
We rejoin the family two years on .
Joe is 10 now , and Paul and Alison are divorced , living 100 miles apart .
The season will show how Joe deals with his parents splitting up , as well as welcoming a new member of the family into the world .
Eddie and Nicola 's romantic relationship also looked to be on the rocks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ so we will get to see how they have progressed in the two years since we left them .
Writer Peter Bowker said : `` It is a joy to be revisiting the world of The A Word , to move the story of the Hughes family on , and to have the opportunity to expand our celebration and examination of diversity and humanity in all its myriad forms . ''
Who is in the cast ?
All the main cast are returning for the third season , with Max Vento continuing as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Paul and Morven Christie as his mum Alison .
Away from The A Word , you may know Ingleby from playing Stan Shunpike in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban , and Detective Sergeant John Bacchus in Detective George Gently .

After a two-and-a-half-year break, The A Word is back on our TV screens for a third season.
The drama series, which follows autistic schoolboy Joe Hughes and his family, is back on the BBC, and a lot has changed since the end of season two.
Here is everything you need to know about the comeback…
When is The A Word on TV?
The first episode of the new season aired on Tuesday 5 May at 9pm on BBC One.
As with seasons one and two there will be six episodes, which will be on at the same time weekly.
Confirmed: Joe and his family will return to @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer on Tuesday 5th May for a brand new series of #TheAWord. If you can’t wait that long… Series 1 and 2 have just dropped on @BBCiPlayer! pic.twitter.com/a3R1t8U1LP — BBC One (@BBCOne) April 9, 2020
If you’ve not seen the first two seasons, or fancy a refresher, the BBC has helpfully added both of them to iPlayer, where season three will also be available to watch on catch-up.
What should we expect from season three?
If you don’t want to see spoilers for season two, look away now…
The second series ended on a sad note, with Joe’s parents Paul and Alison deciding to split up, as they feel they are living “separate lives”.
We rejoin the family two years on. Joe is 10 now, and Paul and Alison are divorced, living 100 miles apart.
The season will show how Joe deals with his parents splitting up, as well as welcoming a new member of the family into the world.
Eddie and Nicola’s romantic relationship also looked to be on the rocks at the end of season two, so we will get to see how they have progressed in the two years since we left them.
Writer Peter Bowker said: “It is a joy to be revisiting the world of The A Word, to move the story of the Hughes family on, and to have the opportunity to expand our celebration and examination of diversity and humanity in all its myriad forms.”
Who is in the cast?
All the main cast are returning for the third season, with Max Vento continuing as Joe, Lee Ingleby as his dad Paul and Morven Christie as his mum Alison.
Away from The A Word, you may know Ingleby from playing Stan Shunpike in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Detective Sergeant John Bacchus in Detective George Gently.
Christie is also known for playing Amanda Hopkins in the ITV drama Grantchester.
The A Word‘s most famous face is Christopher Eccleston (Doctor Who, Gone in 60 Seconds, 28 Days Later), who plays Joe’s grandfather Maurice.
Greg McHugh (Gary: Tank Commander, Fresh Meat) returns as Alison’s brother Eddie, and Vinette Robinson (Sherlock, Black Mirror) as his wife Nicola.
Molly Wright plays Joe’s half sister Rebecca, while Pooky Quesnel (W1A) is back as Maurice’s music teacher Louise.
There are also a few new faces joining the show, including ex-Coronation Street favourite Julie Hesmondhalgh, Sarah Gordy (Call the Midwife) and David Gyasi (Troy: Fall of a City).


inews--2020-05-05--How the coronavirus crisis changed what it means to live a 'virtuous' life

How the coronavirus crisis changed what it means to live a 'virtuous ' life Society has been forced to understand more clearly what work is 'key ' .
Stereotypical virtues of the strong leader are under threat The novelty of the coronavirus pandemic is itself is a massive medical challenge .
But the pandemic is also a unique social problem for us all .
In the face of such uncertainty , it is natural to look for clear reference points to help anchor us .
Current debate about appropriate policy reflects this need for certainty because it is dominated by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ duties and consequences .
We stay at home because it is our duty to protect health : “ stay at home , protect the NHS , save lives ” .
But measures are also being taken specifically to guard against specific consequences – such as damage to the economy .
A third way of talking about values is to use the language of virtues .
This offers a different way of framing situations that is both simpler and more complicated .
It is simpler because its basic question , “ what does it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , is easy to grasp .
It is more complicated because instead of searching for laws , “ virtue ” depends on the context .
To study virtue involves studying the history , traditions , customs and habits of a society .
This encourages us not to think in terms of particular decisions and whether they are right or wrong , but about behaviour over time .
A key concern is character and this idea can be applied to consider any moral agent : a citizen , a political leader or even a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moral agents in their fullest social and political setting .
For example , the citizen and their society are interrelated - with individual virtues tied to civic virtues .
Famously , the virtuous Spartan was very different from the virtuous Athenian .
Spartans were , “ a byword for courage , strength , grim determination ” .
Athens was , “ a model of cosmopolitan sophistication , artistic , cultural and philosophical excellence , and political innovation ” .
'Citizens may want their governments to live the Spartan virtues they see in key @ @ @ @ @ @ @ determination ' ( Photo : Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ) These differences – a focus on context , traditions , customs , and behaviour over time – may be valuable in taking us away from a somewhat shrill public debate about trade-offs between duties and consequences .
A virtue perspective also has an inbuilt flexibility that can help understand how our values change during crisis .
It ’ s possible that the answers to questions like , “ how do I live a virtuous life ?
” or “ how do we build a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same as they were a few weeks ago .
To show this , we can simply ask what virtues our citizens , politicians and governments exhibit – or lack .
The work that is 'key' At a basic animal level , we are being trained in different habits .
Some features of politeness are subtle and differ across cultures , but the basis of consideration in every society is now very obvious .
We do not need to see masks to recognise the new bedrock of every moral code : it simply involves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and appreciate this when others move away , perhaps by walking into a now empty road to give us space .
These are fundamental , unspoken changes in how we use public space yet they have happened almost overnight .
Just being in public involves risk and this is changing our attitudes about the dignity and worth of many occupations , such as bus drivers , cleaners and warehouse workers .
Society has been forced to understand more clearly what work is “ key ” .
People will remember who enabled them to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ muscles , virtues can be thought of as emotions that have been trained .
Lockdown may help to cultivate a sense of civic responsibility if people can connect personal sacrifices or discomfort to the broader public good .
It is a kind of discipline that tests our patience but could also strengthen it ( if it doesn ’ t spill over into mass frustration ) .
It could also provide a sense of perspective and restore appreciation for simple pleasures .
For politicians , the stereotypical virtues of the strong leader are under @ @ @ @ @ @ @ own ways to manage what is essentially the same crisis , we are being made aware of different styles of governing .
It is the grandest possible social experiment unfolding in real time and it has put less eye-catching virtues firmly on display .
On the other hand , we need to be aware of the dangers that miseries like mass hunger and unemployment can bring .
These can be the breeding ground for populism , a different social pathology that , “ inflames and damages the cells , tissues and organs of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ other huge challenges and perhaps even temptations for government .
A crisis , and a common enemy , can benefit those in power .
Recent British governments succeeded in part by making the most of two crises : the global financial crisis and Brexit .
Austerity was fashioned into a rhetorical device to justify spending cuts .
The promise of a referendum and Brexit helped win elections .
Both were reliable sources of distraction , helping to displace blame and control the news cycle .
The coronavirus is a bleaker , relentless crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ dominate the news .
There will be continual comparison with other societies .
Distraction may be impossible .

The novelty of the coronavirus pandemic is itself is a massive medical challenge. But the pandemic is also a unique social problem for us all. In the face of such uncertainty, it is natural to look for clear reference points to help anchor us.
Current debate about appropriate policy reflects this need for certainty because it is dominated by two perspectives on values. These emphasise duties and consequences. We stay at home because it is our duty to protect health: “stay at home, protect the NHS, save lives”. But measures are also being taken specifically to guard against specific consequences – such as damage to the economy.
A third way of talking about values is to use the language of virtues. This offers a different way of framing situations that is both simpler and more complicated. It is simpler because its basic question, “what does it mean to live a virtuous life”, is easy to grasp. It is more complicated because instead of searching for laws, “virtue” depends on the context.
To study virtue involves studying the history, traditions, customs and habits of a society. This encourages us not to think in terms of particular decisions and whether they are right or wrong, but about behaviour over time. A key concern is character and this idea can be applied to consider any moral agent: a citizen, a political leader or even a government.
A conversation about virtues puts moral agents in their fullest social and political setting. For example, the citizen and their society are interrelated – with individual virtues tied to civic virtues. Famously, the virtuous Spartan was very different from the virtuous Athenian. Spartans were, “a byword for courage, strength, grim determination”. Athens was, “a model of cosmopolitan sophistication, artistic, cultural and philosophical excellence, and political innovation”.
These differences – a focus on context, traditions, customs, and behaviour over time – may be valuable in taking us away from a somewhat shrill public debate about trade-offs between duties and consequences. A virtue perspective also has an inbuilt flexibility that can help understand how our values change during crisis. It’s possible that the answers to questions like, “how do I live a virtuous life?” or “how do we build a good society?” are not the same as they were a few weeks ago. To show this, we can simply ask what virtues our citizens, politicians and governments exhibit – or lack.
The work that is ‘key’
At a basic animal level, we are being trained in different habits. Some features of politeness are subtle and differ across cultures, but the basis of consideration in every society is now very obvious. We do not need to see masks to recognise the new bedrock of every moral code: it simply involves keeping a distance. We instantly recognise and appreciate this when others move away, perhaps by walking into a now empty road to give us space. These are fundamental, unspoken changes in how we use public space yet they have happened almost overnight.
Just being in public involves risk and this is changing our attitudes about the dignity and worth of many occupations, such as bus drivers, cleaners and warehouse workers. Society has been forced to understand more clearly what work is “key”. People will remember who enabled them to buy food for their families.
Like muscles, virtues can be thought of as emotions that have been trained. Lockdown may help to cultivate a sense of civic responsibility if people can connect personal sacrifices or discomfort to the broader public good. It is a kind of discipline that tests our patience but could also strengthen it (if it doesn’t spill over into mass frustration). It could also provide a sense of perspective and restore appreciation for simple pleasures.
Politicians
For politicians, the stereotypical virtues of the strong leader are under threat. As different nations find their own ways to manage what is essentially the same crisis, we are being made aware of different styles of governing. It is the grandest possible social experiment unfolding in real time and it has put less eye-catching virtues firmly on display.
New Zealand and Germany are two examples that have been cited. Instead of rewarding charisma, voters may start to prioritise competence and a capacity for sophisticated dialogue.
On the other hand, we need to be aware of the dangers that miseries like mass hunger and unemployment can bring. These can be the breeding ground for populism, a different social pathology that, “inflames and damages the cells, tissues and organs of democratic institutions”.
Governments
Governments’ failure to provide protective personal equipment is shocking. It forces raw, blistering insights into the everyday courage of care workers. Seen alongside the deaths of our most vulnerable elder citizens, it makes us question whether we have built a good society.
The coronavirus poses other huge challenges and perhaps even temptations for government. A crisis, and a common enemy, can benefit those in power. Recent British governments succeeded in part by making the most of two crises: the global financial crisis and Brexit. Austerity was fashioned into a rhetorical device to justify spending cuts. The promise of a referendum and Brexit helped win elections. Both were reliable sources of distraction, helping to displace blame and control the news cycle. The coronavirus is a bleaker, relentless crisis though. The same brutal questions will dominate the news. There will be continual comparison with other societies. Distraction may be impossible.
Messaging may be harder if citizens demand accuracy and experts. Boasts will not just win headlines and disappear. They will echo and haunt. Coronavirus is not the end of Athenian sophistication or political innovation. But citizens may want their governments to live the Spartan virtues they see in key workers: selflessness, courage, grim determination.
Kevin Morrell, Professor of Strategy, Durham University
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: France's first case of Covid-19 was as early as December, doctor claims

Coronavirus : France 's first case of Covid-19 was as early as December , doctor claims The new potential case would be a shocking development as it changes current understanding of the virus ' timeline in Europe People queue outside a supermarket in Paris on 4 May , on the 49th day of a lockdown ( Photo : Getty ) Dr Cohen , the head of resuscitation at the Avicenne and Jean Verdier hospitals in the northern suburbs of Paris , told BFM TV that scientists had retested samples from 24 patients treated in December and January who tested negative @ @ @ @ @ @ @ European country to confirm cases of the virus , on 24 January , with three individuals - two of whom had travelled to China and the other a family member .
It now has 25,204 deaths from the disease , according to John Hopkins University .
No known link to China The new case would be a shocking development as the patient was admitted into hospital four days before the World Health Organisation 's China country office was told of a pneumonia-like illness being detected in Wuhan .
The new patient had never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , this would drastically change current understandings of how the virus first spread through Europe and was present weeks before officials knew .
The first human-to-human transmission within Europe had thought to have been from a German man who was infected by a Chinese colleague who visited Germany between 19 and 22 January .
`` He was amazed .
He didn ’ t understand how he had been infected .
We put the puzzle together and he had not made any trips .
The only contact that he had was with his wife @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not sure if this was the 'patient zero ' for the virus in France , and called for further investigation .
`` It 's also possible there are more early cases to be found , '' WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told a UN briefing in Geneva .
He encouraged other countries to check records for cases in late 2019 , saying this would give the world a `` new and clearer picture '' of the outbreak .

A French doctor has claimed that the first coronavirus case in France was in December, a month before previous records show.
Dr Yves Cohen told French media that a patient who had been diagnosed with pneumonia on 27 December has since been confirmed for Covid-19 after a swab was retested.
Dr Cohen, the head of resuscitation at the Avicenne and Jean Verdier hospitals in the northern suburbs of Paris, told BFM TV that scientists had retested samples from 24 patients treated in December and January who tested negative for flu.
France became the first European country to confirm cases of the virus, on 24 January, with three individuals – two of whom had travelled to China and the other a family member. It now has 25,204 deaths from the disease, according to John Hopkins University.
No known link to China
The new case would be a shocking development as the patient was admitted into hospital four days before the World Health Organisation’s China country office was told of a pneumonia-like illness being detected in Wuhan.
The new patient had never travelled to China, so if true, this would drastically change current understandings of how the virus first spread through Europe and was present weeks before officials knew.
The first human-to-human transmission within Europe had thought to have been from a German man who was infected by a Chinese colleague who visited Germany between 19 and 22 January.
Critics are confused over how the new case failed to spread the virus further than within his family.
“He was sick for 15 days and infected his two children, but not his wife, who works in a supermarket,” Dr Cohen told BFM TV.
“He was amazed. He didn’t understand how he had been infected. We put the puzzle together and he had not made any trips. The only contact that he had was with his wife.”
Further investigation
He added that he was not sure if this was the ‘patient zero’ for the virus in France, and called for further investigation.
The World Health Organisation said the new report was “not surprising”, saying more reports of early cases were possible.
“It’s also possible there are more early cases to be found,” WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told a UN briefing in Geneva. He encouraged other countries to check records for cases in late 2019, saying this would give the world a “new and clearer picture” of the outbreak.


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: How Ireland's five-step plan for lifting the lockdown could be copied in the UK

Coronavirus : How Ireland 's five-step plan for lifting the lockdown could be copied in the UK Boris Johnson will unveil his blueprint on Sunday As the nation awaits the Prime Minister ’ s plan for lifting the lockdown in the UK , which will be unveiled on Sunday , the road map of one of our nearest neighbours could provide a glimpse of our future .
While there is no exact timetable for the UK relaxing restrictions for schools , workplaces and socialising , Ireland ’ s government has offered a detailed five-phase plan , over the next four @ @ @ @ @ @ @ new kind of normality .
There are , of course , key differences between the two countries : Ireland has had fewer cases and deaths than the UK , due to lower population density and the lack of a major international transport hub like London .
But both nations have experienced a similar route into lockdown - Ireland ’ s schools closed days before the UK ’ s followed suit , although Ireland ’ s regime has been tighter when it comes to schools and colleges , for example .
At the weekend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ May .
The UK ’ s next review of lockdown is due this week , when it is expected that it will remain in place , but with Boris Johnson laying out a a clearer road map for lifting restrictions over the coming weeks .
Up to four people from different households will be allowed to meet outside , while construction workers , gardeners and other people who work outdoors will get back to work .
Stationery and IT equipment stores , garden centres and hardware shops will be allowed to reopen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ shops have been allowed to stay open throughout the lockdown , although major chains were closed until last week .
However , there have been calls for garden centres to be allowed to reopen due to the immense popularity of that sector - so it is likely these will also be in the first phase for the UK .
Schools and college buildings will be opened for teachers only , allowing them to start to plan for lessons .
In the UK , schools have remained open for the children of key workers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ vulnerable , although only a tiny proportion of families have taken this up .
Phase 2 , introduced on 8 June , will see up to four people from different households allowed to visit each other ’ s homes , providing they keep at least two metres from people they don ’ t live with .
The UK has examined the idea of “ social bubbles ” allowing groups of 10 people from two or more different households to mix , although this is fraught with complexity - because it would mean families @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Phase 3 , to be introduced on 29 June , will see a major ramping up of recreational activities and work , with strict social distancing still in place .
This will arguably feel the most significant step yet in a return to “ normal ” .
People can return to work if they do not come into regular contact with others .
Clothes shops and other retail outlets classed as non-essential will be allowed to reopen , providing they have street-level entrances and are not in malls .
Family and close @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social gatherings including weddings and baptisms , but there will be limits on numbers and social distancing will need to be maintained .

As the nation awaits the Prime Minister’s plan for lifting the lockdown in the UK, which will be unveiled on Sunday, the road map of one of our nearest neighbours could provide a glimpse of our future.
While there is no exact timetable for the UK relaxing restrictions for schools, workplaces and socialising, Ireland’s government has offered a detailed five-phase plan, over the next four months, for getting back to a new kind of normality.
There are, of course, key differences between the two countries: Ireland has had fewer cases and deaths than the UK, due to lower population density and the lack of a major international transport hub like London.
But both nations have experienced a similar route into lockdown – Ireland’s schools closed days before the UK’s followed suit, although Ireland’s regime has been tighter when it comes to schools and colleges, for example.
Ireland’s five phases
Given the UK and Ireland are both passing their peaks, policy makers could use Ireland’s blueprint as a way forward.
UK ministers and medical experts have insisted that the lifting of the lockdown in this country will need to be carried out in stages.
At the weekend, Ireland extended its lockdown until 18 May. The UK’s next review of lockdown is due this week, when it is expected that it will remain in place, but with Boris Johnson laying out a a clearer road map for lifting restrictions over the coming weeks.
Phase 1: 18 May
From 18 May, Ireland will implement phase 1, which will see a gradual reopening of more retail outlets, restarting of types of work and some limited social meetings.
Up to four people from different households will be allowed to meet outside, while construction workers, gardeners and other people who work outdoors will get back to work.
Stationery and IT equipment stores, garden centres and hardware shops will be allowed to reopen. In the UK, DIY and hardware shops have been allowed to stay open throughout the lockdown, although major chains were closed until last week.
However, there have been calls for garden centres to be allowed to reopen due to the immense popularity of that sector – so it is likely these will also be in the first phase for the UK.
Schools and college buildings will be opened for teachers only, allowing them to start to plan for lessons. In the UK, schools have remained open for the children of key workers and those with special needs or are vulnerable, although only a tiny proportion of families have taken this up.
Phase 2: 8 June
Phase 2, introduced on 8 June, will see up to four people from different households allowed to visit each other’s homes, providing they keep at least two metres from people they don’t live with.
The UK has examined the idea of “social bubbles” allowing groups of 10 people from two or more different households to mix, although this is fraught with complexity – because it would mean families mixing together with some members cut off.
This second phase in Ireland will also allow small retail outlets and libraries to reopen, providing the two metre rule is observed.
Phase 3: 29 June
Phase 3, to be introduced on 29 June, will see a major ramping up of recreational activities and work, with strict social distancing still in place. This will arguably feel the most significant step yet in a return to “normal”.
This means that sporting events will resume, albeit behind closed doors, cafes and restaurants reopening, with the two metre rule in place, and children allowed to return to playgrounds.
People can return to work if they do not come into regular contact with others. Clothes shops and other retail outlets classed as non-essential will be allowed to reopen, providing they have street-level entrances and are not in malls.
Phase 4: 20 July
Ireland’s phase 4 will be introduced on 20 July and will allow people to travel up to 12 miles.
Family and close friends will be able to attend small social gatherings including weddings and baptisms, but there will be limits on numbers and social distancing will need to be maintained.
Museums, galleries and churches will be allowed to reopen.
Phase 5: 10 August
The final phase for Ireland’s exit strategy will be introduced on 10 August, when larger social gatherings will be allowed, still with restrictions in place.
Schools and universities will begin to reopen under a phased system, with certain year groups prioritised and smaller class sizes.
For the UK, there have been suggestions that schools will start to take more children sooner than August, although this is a controversial point, as teaching unions have demanded assurances on safe working.
For the UK, the Prime Minister’s exit strategy is still underpinned by the five tests which need to prove the country’s outbreak is under control and in reverse, as well as the success or otherwise of the test, track and trace smartphone app which is being piloted in the Isle of Wight this week.


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus in the UK: Opening schools prematurely would be 'catastrophic' to spread of Covid-19, te

Coronavirus in the UK: Opening schools prematurely would be 'catastrophic' to spread of Covid-19, teacher unions warn

Coronavirus in the UK : Opening schools prematurely would be 'catastrophic ' to spread of Covid-19 , teacher unions warn Ten teaching unions in UK and Ireland warn of 'very real risk of creating a spike in the transmission ' if schools open prematurely Ten unions representing nearly one million teachers and school employees across the UK and Ireland have written to education ministers warning that a “ premature opening of schools ” would be `` catastrophic '' to the spread of the coronavirus .
The letter , sent by the British Irish Group of Teacher Unions , urges “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools ” , and says there is a “ very real risk of creating a spike in the transmission of the virus ” if they open too early .
It has been sent to the education ministers of England , Wales , Scotland , Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland .
In the UK , schools have been closed for the majority of pupils since 23 March as part of the lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus .
Plans are currently being developed for a “ phased ” reopening of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ understood to be targeting 1 June as the date when pupils will begin to return to school .
However , teaching unions are yet to be convinced that it is safe for their members to return .
“ Firstly , we would highlight the very real risk of creating a spike in the transmission of the virus by a premature opening of schools .
“ We are convinced by the experience of other systems that a critical tool in preventing a surge of infection is an established capacity to 'test trace and isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ schools before such a regime is in place , would be catastrophic to the rate of infection.
” The letter says that schools will only be able to safely reopen with “ significant operational changes ” , including social distancing , “ strong hygiene routines ” and access to personal protective equipment in some circumstances .
This will mean there has to be “ priorities established around attendance , which is likely to be part time for most pupils ” .
The letter also stresses that “ potentially all children will have suffered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Covid-19 pandemic ” , with the unions calling for the initial focus of reopened schools to be on “ the health , well-being , and emotional resilience of our students ” .
Yesterday i reported that teachers could be advised they have the right not to attend work under health and safety legislation if they do not feel it is safe to return to school .
If the UK pushes ahead with reopening schools without getting the profession on board , unions will not be able to encourage teachers to stay @ @ @ @ @ @ @ open to accusations of backing illegal strikes .
However , i understands that unions could inform members about Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 , which protects an employee ’ s right to withdraw from a workplace if they believe it is unsafe .
The joint letter was sent to : Gavin Williamson , the UK Government Education Secretary , in England ; John Swinney , Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills in Scotland ; Kirsty Williams , Minister for Education in Wales ; Peter Weir , Minister for Education in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republic of Ireland ’ s Minister of Education and Skills .

Ten unions representing nearly one million teachers and school employees across the UK and Ireland have written to education ministers warning that a “premature opening of schools” would be “catastrophic” to the spread of the coronavirus.
The letter, sent by the British Irish Group of Teacher Unions, urges “significant caution in any consideration of reopening schools”, and says there is a “very real risk of creating a spike in the transmission of the virus” if they open too early.
It has been sent to the education ministers of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
In the UK, schools have been closed for the majority of pupils since 23 March as part of the lockdown to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
‘Very real risk’
Plans are currently being developed for a “phased” reopening of schools. In England the Government is understood to be targeting 1 June as the date when pupils will begin to return to school.
However, teaching unions are yet to be convinced that it is safe for their members to return.
The joint letter says: “We wish to urge significant caution in any consideration of reopening schools.
“Firstly, we would highlight the very real risk of creating a spike in the transmission of the virus by a premature opening of schools.
“We are convinced by the experience of other systems that a critical tool in preventing a surge of infection is an established capacity to ‘test trace and isolate’ and we would argue that reopening schools before such a regime is in place, would be catastrophic to the rate of infection.”
Pupil ‘trauma’
The letter says that schools will only be able to safely reopen with “significant operational changes”, including social distancing, “strong hygiene routines” and access to personal protective equipment in some circumstances.
This will mean there has to be “priorities established around attendance, which is likely to be part time for most pupils”.
The letter also stresses that “potentially all children will have suffered a level of trauma as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic”, with the unions calling for the initial focus of reopened schools to be on “the health, well-being, and emotional resilience of our students”.
Teacher safety
Yesterday i reported that teachers could be advised they have the right not to attend work under health and safety legislation if they do not feel it is safe to return to school.
If the UK pushes ahead with reopening schools without getting the profession on board, unions will not be able to encourage teachers to stay at home because they could leave themselves open to accusations of backing illegal strikes.
However, i understands that unions could inform members about Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996, which protects an employee’s right to withdraw from a workplace if they believe it is unsafe.
The joint letter was sent to: Gavin Williamson, the UK Government Education Secretary, in England; John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills in Scotland; Kirsty Williams, Minister for Education in Wales; Peter Weir, Minister for Education in Northern Ireland; and Joe McHugh, the Republic of Ireland’s Minister of Education and Skills.
It was signed by the following union general secretaries: Larry Flanagan, Educational Institute of Scotland; Seamus Searson, Scottish Secondary Teachers’ Association; Patrick Roach, NASUWT; Mary Bousted and Kevin Courtney, National Education Union; Jo Grady University and College Union; John Mac Gabhann, Teachers Union of Ireland; Kieran Christie, Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland; Joan Donegan, Irish Federation of University Teachers; John Boyle, Irish National Teachers’ Association; and Jacquie White, Ulster Teachers’ Union.


inews--2020-05-05--Coronavirus: 'Traffic light' approach to managing Covid-19 risk could be way to ease lockdown, Sage

Coronavirus: 'Traffic light' approach to managing Covid-19 risk could be way to ease lockdown, Sage scientists tell ministers

Coronavirus : 'Traffic light ' approach to managing Covid-19 risk could be way to ease lockdown , Sage scientists tell ministers The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies has published details of the documents it uses to produce its advice The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies ( Sage ) has released a new tranche of documents which it has used to inform its meetings in recent weeks .
The dossier is part of a transparency drive , with the Chief Scientific Adviser promising to publish the evidence considered by the committee on a more regular basis .
The documents show that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lift the lockdown since the start of last month - and stress that the exit strategy will need to be gradual , with no `` big bang '' of nationwide release .
A paper dated 1 April from Sage 's behavioural science sub-group says that easing measures should be introduced `` very gradually '' in order to keep the public on board .
The experts suggested that as well as reopening businesses , ministers should consider allowing more socialising to take place : `` It may be difficult to justify easing restrictions solely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ restrictions for low risk activities with significant social and psychological benefit . ''
They added that a `` traffic light '' system may help the public understand how to manage the risks of coronavirus once the current rules are relaxed .
The document suggests the Government could provide `` examples of high ( avoid ) , medium ( do rarely and carefully ) and low ( do freely ) risk activities '' .
Speaking to the Commons health committee on Tuesday , Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance said he was in favour of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ basis , perhaps as often as every fortnight .
Sir Patrick also stressed - in what could be seen as a rebuke to Cabinet ministers who repeatedly insist they are `` guided by the science '' - that Sage 's advice is not the be-all and end-all .
He told MPs : `` Sage does not make decisions , Sage gives advice , it 's an advisory body and ministers of course have to make decisions ... What Sage does is try to distill the scientific advice that others need to operationalise and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that when Sage provides recommendations to ministers , it names a range of options rather than pushing one particular course of action .
Sir Patrick said : `` I doubt we 've ever gone and given a single option , we 're more likely to say here is a range of things with the potential effect sizes . ''

Ministers should consider adopting a “traffic light” approach to easing the coronavirus lockdown, the Government’s scientific advisers have said.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) has released a new tranche of documents which it has used to inform its meetings in recent weeks. The dossier is part of a transparency drive, with the Chief Scientific Adviser promising to publish the evidence considered by the committee on a more regular basis.
The documents show that scientists have been discussing how best to lift the lockdown since the start of last month – and stress that the exit strategy will need to be gradual, with no “big bang” of nationwide release.
A paper dated 1 April from Sage’s behavioural science sub-group says that easing measures should be introduced “very gradually” in order to keep the public on board.
Social behaviour
The experts suggested that as well as reopening businesses, ministers should consider allowing more socialising to take place: “It may be difficult to justify easing restrictions solely for economic activities without any easing of restrictions for low risk activities with significant social and psychological benefit.”
They added that a “traffic light” system may help the public understand how to manage the risks of coronavirus once the current rules are relaxed. The document suggests the Government could provide “examples of high (avoid), medium (do rarely and carefully) and low (do freely) risk activities”.
‘Sage does not make decisions’
Speaking to the Commons health committee on Tuesday, Chief Scientific Adviser Patrick Vallance said he was in favour of publishing Sage documents on a more regular basis, perhaps as often as every fortnight.
Sir Patrick also stressed – in what could be seen as a rebuke to Cabinet ministers who repeatedly insist they are “guided by the science” – that Sage’s advice is not the be-all and end-all. He told MPs: “Sage does not make decisions, Sage gives advice, it’s an advisory body and ministers of course have to make decisions… What Sage does is try to distill the scientific advice that others need to operationalise and take responsibility for.”
He revealed that when Sage provides recommendations to ministers, it names a range of options rather than pushing one particular course of action. Sir Patrick said: “I doubt we’ve ever gone and given a single option, we’re more likely to say here is a range of things with the potential effect sizes.”


inews--2020-05-05--It's possible to find lockdown hard and also be afraid of it being lifted

It 's possible to find lockdown hard and also be afraid of it being lifted I am nervous about returning to rush-hour commutes , to a less kind and tolerant society , to the feeling of spreading myself thinly Lockdown is a living nightmare for some people .
For others , it ’ s just an inconvenience .
For many , it ’ s somewhere in the middle .
It all depends on a person ’ s domestic situation , of course – their mental and physical health , their finances , and countless other factors , which mean that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the pandemic is the same .
A recent poll showed 60 per cent of Britons would now fear leaving their homes and going to restaurants and using public transport , even if they were able to do so .
Part of this is down to fears about catching the virus , but for some people , it goes beyond that .
I worry hugely about my grandma alone in Poland and how I ’ ll be able to see her again , for example .
I am tired of being apart from my @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the suffering of strangers and those close to me.Yet , at the same time as feeling all that , I am nervous about returning to rush-hour commutes , to a less kind and tolerant society , to the feeling of spreading myself thinly across the people I love .
I ’ m lucky that my career isn ’ t on the line and that I haven ’ t been left isolated – but I have surrendered to a slowness I ’ ve never experienced , and now I ’ m nervous about speeding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . '
I am nervous about returning to rush-hour commutes ' ( Photo : Leon Neal/Getty ) Roy Samuels* , a retired 68-year-old from London , is among those who are anxious about lockdown lifting .
“ I ’ ve spent much more time talking to family and friends than at any time in my life , ” he says .
“ My emotions are closer to the surface ; I found myself crying the other day over a breakfast TV item about children leaving drinks and snacks outside the front door for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sensitivity to other people ’ s feelings will fade when life returns to normal .
“ I also think the transition will be disturbing .
When you ’ ve got used to a certain mode of living , then change can be destabilising .
“ But then I see the damage the lockdown has done to people ’ s jobs , to children ’ s prospects , to the city where I live and I realise this can ’ t go on for much longer .
So I want the lockdown to end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ myself .
That ’ s not altruism , it ’ s reality and , I suppose , a reflection of my personality and psychological temperament.
” For Jo Dabrowski* , 67 , another retiree who lives alone in a flat in Southampton , the fear is different.
“ This existence has taken on a reality of sorts , ” she says , “ and I ’ m worried I ’ ll find it really hard to connect with the outside world again , and may not even want to .
On the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this , I ’ m worried it ’ s messed up my mental health .
I haven ’ t seen another living soul in over six weeks.
” Dr Alan Redman , a psychologist and Birkbeck University teaching fellow , says that Ms Dabrowski might be able to find some solace in knowing that she is far from alone in having these fears .
“ If you ’ ve been in a certain state for a while , it can start to change some of your personality traits .
It ’ s entirely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has changed direction and her personality is now stuck in this position , ” he explains .
An elderly woman looks on from her window in Spain during lockdown ( Photo : David Ramos/Getty ) “ It ’ s made me wonder if I ’ m missing out on time with my toddler , now I ’ ve seen what it can be like when I ’ m around more , ” she says .
“ It ’ s been really tough being with him all the time , don ’ t get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ got into a routine and I wouldn ’ t know how to go back to normal now.
” It ’ s this meaningful time that Amy Tobias , a 30-year-old from Bristol who works in TV , wants to hold on to .
“ I ’ ve felt more connected to my friends and I ’ m going to miss that if everyone immediately picks up the mania of ‘ normal ’ life after lockdown , ” says Ms Tobias .
“ Doing lockdown with my parents has presented its own challenges but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ isolated .
And I ’ ve been thinking about going back to a ‘ normal ’ day of work with mild terror.
” Amy Tobias ; “ I ’ ve felt more connected to my friends and I ’ m going to miss that if everyone immediately picks up the mania of ‘ normal ’ life '' .
( Photo : Amy Tobias ) The workplace is an area of life that Dr Redman wants to believe will change after lockdown .
“ I really hope we reset our expectations for work .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the same time of day to a workplace ?
Is it right to feel under pressure of presenteeism and long hours ?
All of this could be up for grabs and we could get off the insane conveyor belt of normal work , which looking back now seems slightly ridiculous to lots of people .
”

Lockdown is a living nightmare for some people. For others, it’s just an inconvenience. For many, it’s somewhere in the middle. It all depends on a person’s domestic situation, of course – their mental and physical health, their finances, and countless other factors, which mean that no two people’s experience of the pandemic is the same.
What I have found, however – and many friends agree – is that it’s possible to find lockdown hard and at the same time feel afraid about the idea of it being lifted. And not just for health concerns.
A recent poll showed 60 per cent of Britons would now fear leaving their homes and going to restaurants and using public transport, even if they were able to do so. Part of this is down to fears about catching the virus, but for some people, it goes beyond that.
I worry hugely about my grandma alone in Poland and how I’ll be able to see her again, for example. I am tired of being apart from my boyfriend, and I am haunted by the suffering of strangers and those close to me.
Yet, at the same time as feeling all that, I am nervous about returning to rush-hour commutes, to a less kind and tolerant society, to the feeling of spreading myself thinly across the people I love. I’m lucky that my career isn’t on the line and that I haven’t been left isolated – but I have surrendered to a slowness I’ve never experienced, and now I’m nervous about speeding back up.
“It’s been a massive shift to a much slower existence,” clinical psychologist Dr Abigael San tells i. “A lot of people are realising what they can do without, realising how some of what they do is unhelpful to them, superficial or damaging.
“People are saying this in therapy sessions, how they’ve realised they spend money they don’t really want to spend, that certain things didn’t make them happy.”
Roy Samuels*, a retired 68-year-old from London, is among those who are anxious about lockdown lifting. “I’ve spent much more time talking to family and friends than at any time in my life,” he says. “My emotions are closer to the surface; I found myself crying the other day over a breakfast TV item about children leaving drinks and snacks outside the front door for the postman. I fear my increased sensitivity to other people’s feelings will fade when life returns to normal.
“I also think the transition will be disturbing. When you’ve got used to a certain mode of living, then change can be destabilising. “But then I see the damage the lockdown has done to people’s jobs, to children’s prospects, to the city where I live and I realise this can’t go on for much longer. So I want the lockdown to end – but more for other people than myself. That’s not altruism, it’s reality and, I suppose, a reflection of my personality and psychological temperament.”
For Jo Dabrowski*, 67, another retiree who lives alone in a flat in Southampton, the fear is different.
“This existence has taken on a reality of sorts,” she says, “and I’m worried I’ll find it really hard to connect with the outside world again, and may not even want to. On the other hand, I don’t like this, I’m worried it’s messed up my mental health. I haven’t seen another living soul in over six weeks.”
Dr Alan Redman, a psychologist and Birkbeck University teaching fellow, says that Ms Dabrowski might be able to find some solace in knowing that she is far from alone in having these fears. “If you’ve been in a certain state for a while, it can start to change some of your personality traits. It’s entirely understandable she is concerned that the wind has changed direction and her personality is now stuck in this position,” he explains.
“But it won’t be, and while it might be a wrench getting back into going out and seeing people, personalities are very adaptable things. But the transition isn’t going to be an easy, amazing enjoyable experience for everyone.”
For Layla Aarons, a 35-year-old single mother in the East Midlands, the idea of going back to an office job she dislikes and leaving her son in childcare again post-lockdown is a stressful thought.
“It’s made me wonder if I’m missing out on time with my toddler, now I’ve seen what it can be like when I’m around more,” she says. “It’s been really tough being with him all the time, don’t get me wrong, but we’ve got into a routine and I wouldn’t know how to go back to normal now.”
It’s this meaningful time that Amy Tobias, a 30-year-old from Bristol who works in TV, wants to hold on to. “I’ve felt more connected to my friends and I’m going to miss that if everyone immediately picks up the mania of ‘normal’ life after lockdown,” says Ms Tobias. “Doing lockdown with my parents has presented its own challenges but it’s made me feel less isolated. And I’ve been thinking about going back to a ‘normal’ day of work with mild terror.”
The workplace is an area of life that Dr Redman wants to believe will change after lockdown. “I really hope we reset our expectations for work. Do we all need to commute at the same time of day to a workplace? Is it right to feel under pressure of presenteeism and long hours? All of this could be up for grabs and we could get off the insane conveyor belt of normal work, which looking back now seems slightly ridiculous to lots of people.”
For many of the people I’ve spoken to, the fear of lockdown lifting comes from a realisation that there are better ways to live, that they’ve found some small, surprising moments of meaning in this strange and terrible time, and now they don’t want to let it go.
The news that the lockdown will be eased gradually may help those who now feel intimidated by the outside world, or worry that they have become different people. Some people’s mental health may have suffered while staying at home, but readjusting after such a big change can bring its own difficulties and may take time.
* Two names have been changed at the request of the interviewees


inews--2020-05-05--The 14 best movies coming out in 2020 that have changed from cinema releases to online

The 14 best movies coming out in 2020 that have changed from cinema releases to online With cinemas shut down @ @ @ @ @ studios are bringing their new releases to you Anya Taylor-Joy and Johnny Flynn in the @ @ @ @ @ 's 1815 novel , Emma .
( Picture : Focus Features ) The original cinema @ @ @ @ @ film , which heavily features firearms , already had to be postponed after a string @ @ @ @ @ US last autumn .
And in 2020 , UK cinemas closed just over a week @ @ @ @ @ , dramatically cutting down its time in the limelight .
Scoob !
is an animated @ @ @ @ @ cartoon Scooby Doo .
( Picture : Warner Animation Group ) Issa Rae and Kumail @ @ @ @ @ who become unintentionally involved in a murder .
( Picture : Paramount Pictures ) The @ @ @ @ @ the first film to become available under this new partnership .
It is also now @ @ @ @ @ demand services .

Since the UK lockdown began, more people than ever are now using streaming services for some much needed entertainment.
Where we once enjoyed a trip out to the cinema, we are getting inventive with video calls and simultaneous streaming, and families are growing ever more reliant on the likes of Disney+ to keep restless kids distracted.
While this is undoubtedly great news for the likes of Netflix, film studios have been feeling the full force of the crisis.
Adapting to the unprecedented situation, many studios have now scrapped scheduled cinema releases, in favour of home-entertainment releases.
So, if you’ve been crossing off old Netflix titles like a winning bingo card, look no further than our list of new and upcoming online film releases, to keep your lockdown binge-watching fresh.
Onward
This computer-animated fantasy-adventure film produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios, is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Featuring the voices of Chris Pratt and Tom Holland, it follows the adventures of two elven brothers who begin a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father.
This film only had two weeks of theatrical release before cinemas closed, which pales in comparison to the usual six weeks that most largely anticipated films have.
UK cinema release date: 6 March 2020
Available on demand from: 4 May 2020
Available to watch on: Sky Store, Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes
DVD, 4K Ultra HD & Blu-ray release: 19 May 2020
Misbehaviour
Starring Keira Knightley and Jessie Buckley, this comical drama follows a group of feminist protesters who create a plan to disrupt the 1970 Miss World competition.
A mere four days after the film was released in theatres across the UK, cinemas were forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The film was released on demand, three months prior to its DVD release date, to compensate.
UK cinema release date: 13 March 2020
Available on demand from: 15 April 2020
Available to watch on: YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube
DVD release date: July 2020
Bloodshot
Bloodshot only saw a single week in theatres before lockdown measures forced cinemas to close. Four days later it was released online, for on-demand home entertainment.
Vin Diesel, stars as Ray Garrison, a US marine who is resurrected by a team of scientists and transformed into the superhero Bloodshot, after he and his wife are murdered.
The film is based on the bestselling comic book of the same name.
UK cinema release date: 13 March 2020
Available on demand from: 24 March 2020
Available to watch on: Sky Store, YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime
DVD release: 5 May
Blu-ray and Ultra HD 4K Blu-ray release: 8 June 2020
Emma
This adaptation of Jane Austen’s 1815 novel of the same name, is set in Georgian and Regency-era England and follows a young woman, Emma Woodhouse, as she plays the role of matchmaker for her friends and family.
The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy (Peaky Blinders, Split) as Emma, Bill Nighy (Love Actually, Pirates of the Caribbean) as Mr Woodhouse, and comedian Miranda Hart as Miss Bates.
UK cinema release date: 14 February 2020
Available on demand from: 20 March 2020
Available to watch on: YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play
DVD release date: 19 May 2020
Vivarium
This horror film may strike a chord with many of us currently stuck at home during lockdown.
Jesse Eisenberg and Imogen Poots star as a couple who get trapped for several years inside an eerie house in an empty, labyrinthine-like suburban neighbourhood.
The film details their descent into despair, as they continually but unsuccessfully try to escape this surreal reality.
Cinema release date: 27 March 2020
Available on demand from: 27 March 2020
Available to watch on: Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
DVD release date: 25 May 2020
Read more: It will feel risky to go to the cinema in July but addicts like me will take their chances
Artemis Fowl
This fantastical film follows the epic journey of Artemis Fowl, a 12-year-old boy genius and criminal mastermind, as he takes on an ancient, underground civilisation, while attempting to find his father who has mysteriously disappeared.
Starring Judy Dench (Victoria and Abdul, Cats) Colin Farrel (In Bruges, The Gentlemen) and Nonso Anozie (Game of Thrones) and directed by Kenneth Branagh, this film is based on Eoin Colfer’s popular fantasy novels of the same name.
UK cinema release date: 29 May 2020
Available on demand from: 12 June, 2020
Available to watch on: Disney+
The Hunt
The original cinema release of this controversial satirical film, which heavily features firearms, already had to be postponed after a string of mass shootings in the US last autumn. And in 2020, UK cinemas closed just over a week after its theatrical release date, dramatically cutting down its time in the limelight.
However all is not lost, for you can now watch as twelve strangers avoid being hunted for sport, from the safety and comfort of your home, on Amazon Prime.
Starring Hilary Swank and Emma Roberts.
UK cinema release date: 11 March 2020
Now available on demand on: Amazon Prime
DVD release: 9 June, 2020
Scoob!
Warner Brothers has followed in the footsteps of Universal Pictures and the Walt Disney Company by opting for a video on-demand release of its new animated film Scoob!, as cinemas remain closed across the world.
Scoob! is an animated adaptation of the much loved cartoon Scooby Doo.
It is the first film based on the popular kids show, since the live action version, Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed, hit cinemas in 2004.
It will be released on demand the same day as its now-cancelled theatrical release.
The film features the voices of Zac Efron, Amanda Seyfried and Mark Wahlberg.
UK cinema release date: 15 May 2020
Available on demand from: 15 May, 2020
Available to watch on: Amazon Prime
The Way Back
Ben Affleck stars as Jack Cunningham, a high school basketball superstar who gave up the sport for unknown reasons.
The film follows him years later, as he attempts to find redemption by leaving his meaningless job and battling an alcohol addiction, in order to become a basketball coach for his old university.
UK Cinema release date: 24 April
Now available on demand on: Amazon Prime
DVD release date: 19 May
Read more: How to get Disney Plus: Smart TV, Sky Q and app download explained, and the devices you can watch on
The King of Staten Island
The King of Staten Island is a comedy-drama based on the life of American comedian, Pete Davidson (Saturday Night Live), who grew up in Staten Island.
The film is a coming-of-age story which follows him as he enters the world of stand-up comedy.
Universal Pictures has decided to premiere The King of Staten Island through home entertainment services on 12 June, a full week prior to its original theatrical release date.
However it is not yet known what services it will be streamed on, so keep your eyes peeled.
Cinema release date: 19 June 2020
Available to watch on: 12 June 2020
The Lovebirds
This romantic comedy stars Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as a couple who are on the verge of breaking up, when they become unintentionally involved in a murder mystery.
The film follows them as they try to save themselves and their relationship, while trying to clear their names.
Cinema release date: 3 April
Available on demand from: 22 May
Available to watch on: Netflix
Read more: How to get Disney Plus: Smart TV, Sky Q and app dowàload explained, and the devices you can watch on
The Invisible Man
Elizabeth Moss (Handmaid’s Tale) stars in this science fiction horror which sees her fight against her scientist ex boyfriend, who becomes invisible in order to stalk and terrorise her.
While this film had three full weeks in UK theatres before lockdown began, it has been released early on streaming services, way ahead of its DVD release date.
Cinema release date: 28 February
Available on demand from: 20 March 2020
Available to watch on: Amazon Prime, Google Play, YouTube
DVD release date: 29 June 2020
Inheritance
This thriller sees Lily Collins star as the daughter of a wealthy and powerful man who upon suddenly passing away, leaves her with a disturbing secret inheritance that threatens to destroy her family’s lives.
The film also stars Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz).
It has not yet been announced which streaming platforms it will be released on, so be sure to watch this space.
Cinema release date: 22 May 2020
Available on demand from: 22 May 2020
Trolls World Tour
In a response to the pandemic, Sky has recently announced a partnership with NBCUniversal which will make movie releases available to rent on the Sky Store on the exact same day as their scheduled cinema premieres.
The computer-animated Trolls World Tour was the first film to become available under this new partnership. It is also now available on several other on demand services.
The film is a jukebox musical and a sequel to the extremely popular 2016 film Trolls.
It sees Princess Poppy and Branch on another adventure, this time aiming to unify the musical world of Trolls and defeat Queen Barb from destroying different genres of music.
Cinema release date: 10 April 2020
Available on demand from: 10 April 2020
Available to watch on: YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime