Parents in Bolton are being asked not to request a school place for their child unless it is absolutely necessary.
During the national lockdown, all schools in Bolton remain open for vulnerable pupils and the children of critical workers.
All other pupils are asked to learn remotely from home in order protect them, their families and school staff.
However, schools are reporting a high volume of requests from families asking for children to attend school.
Schools are following national guidance and making places available wherever possible.
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Anne Galloway, said:
“All schools in Bolton are providing education to all of their students, with many being taught remotely while the buildings are open for many vulnerable children and children of critical workers.
“Schools are receiving a large number of requests for their child to be taught within the school premises from parents of critical workers.
“Schools are following national guidance and making places available wherever possible.
“To be considered for a place, parents will require evidence from their employer that they are a critical worker.
“Depending on their individual risk assessments and staffing capacity schools may need to limit the number of available places to limit transmission and ensure the safety of children and staff.
“All schools will be offering online learning for children who don’t attend for face-to-face teaching.
“This week we have already seen a number of positive tests for staff and children in schools resulting in further children and staff isolating.
“Whilst we fully understand the pressures parents are under, we would strongly encourage them to only request places where they are absolutely necessary.”