Devon headteacher tells kids to come in late after England v Italy in Euro 2020 final
A primary school headteacher in Devon has told pupils they can arrive late the morning after the Euro 2020 final.
Salcombe Primary School head Andy Pugsley has been hailed a hero after saying any children who arrive up to 10.30am on Monday 12 July will not be marked as late.
The school will be open from 8.40am for parents who want to drop their children off at the normal time, but Mr Pugsley said parents can let their kids lie-in after staying up late to watch England take on Italy in the final.
A statement from the school said: "We would rather have children rested and in school ready to learn rather than absent all day or tired and unable to concentrate.
"School will start at 8.40am but children arriving up to 10.30am won’t be marked as late, and they won’t miss any lessons."
England v Italy: What you need to know about the Euro 2020 final
When is the final happening?
When is the final happening?
The Euro 2020 final kicks off at 8pm on Sunday 11 July at Wembley Stadium.
Can I get a ticket?
Can I get a ticket?
While the capacity for the final, along with both semi-finals which have all been at Wembley, has been increased to more than 60,000, it seems there is little hope of securing a ticket if you do not already have one. As it stands, there are no tickets on sale on the Uefa website for the final. Most ticket sales took place in 2019, long before the matches in each stage of the knockout stage of the competition were known. If the situation changes, however, and more tickets do become available, fans would likely need to stump up hundreds – if not thousands – of pounds to secure a seat.
Where can I watch the game on TV or online?
Where can I watch the game on TV or online?
The game will be broadcast on ITV, with its coverage starting from 6.30pm on Sunday. It will also be available to stream online on the ITV Hub (for viewers in the UK only).
What if I'm watching it at a pub?
What if I'm watching it at a pub?
Pubs in England will be allowed to stay open later on Sunday, in case the final goes to penalties, Downing Street has said.
The government has granted pubs special permission to open until 11.15pm - 15 minutes after normal closing time on Sunday.
Other schools around Devon are now being tagged into Salcombe's Facebook page in the hope they will follow suit.
Devon education bosses are saying it is up to individual head teachers if they want to follow suit.
Devon County Council's cabinet member for children's services and schools Andrew Leadbetter said: "This is a matter for individual headteachers and governors who know their children best.
"But this is the first time in 55 years that our national football team has got through to the final of a major competition. It's an historic moment which will stay with many of these young people for the rest of their lives - particularly if, as we all hope, we win on Sunday."
Mr Pugsley said it was "a learning opportunity" for children.
"It’s 55 years since an England men’s team have reached a major football final so let them watch, talk about the importance of the National Anthem, talk about pride and resilience and possibly disappointment," he said.
The school and Mr Pugsley have been widely praised for their actions.
One parent said: "Brilliant. Well played Mr Pugsley."
Another commented: "What an incredible school! Hats off to you all."